VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3 April 1996 Relocation Blues Last fall, shortly after we mailed the last issue of IGH, we we have done our best through the years to accumulate bookcases began a process which is still far from complete—the physical mov- and display cases which are both large and old (and thus more in keep ing of our collection of books, magazines, photos, courses, artifacts, ing with the collection), many of them had to be completely taken films, audiotapes, posters, videotapes, clippings, and other related apart and reassembled here in Anna Hiss. In addition, each of the materials to another location on the campus of the University of Texas many tens of thousands of books and magazines had to be individ- at Austin. Before, we were in Gregory Gym; now, we and the col- ually packed, moved to Anna Hiss, unpacked, and reshelved. lection are housed in Anna Hiss Gym. [please note our new mailing This sad tale isn’t intended to make anyone feel scary for address on the back page. The phone and fax us, because we love the collection and we would remain the same.] Gregory Gym was built in have moved it to its new home even if we had 1929, with substantial additions from the 1960s, had to do it a box at a time. The aim here is but it was in bad need of the renovation which merely to provide some context for our apolo- prompted our relocation. gy about the lateness of this issue. Normally, Our new quarters are less spacious than our intention is to publish a new issue every two they were in Gregory, and we are very cramped. or three months, depending on the quality of the On the positive side, our materials are primari- material we have on hand, but this time the task ly located in one room now, and so the place has of moving the collection—along with our usu- more of the feel of a library about it. In any case, ual responsibiities as faculty members here at we are grateful to have such a large room (over the university—has made us very late. Because 3000 square feet) in which to store and use the of the delay, we have lengthened the issue by collection and we am beginning to be able to find four pages. The addtional four pages allowed things again. Those who have never visited the us to include, in full, two of the longest, most collection no doubt have a hard time imagining interesting (although completely different) arti- how extensive it is and how much space it cles we have ever published. We hope you requires. To provide some context, imagine a accept our apology, enjoy this issue, and con- 3200 square foot room (40’ x 80’) with eleven tinue to support IGH. foot ceilings. Next, imagine approximately 70 large, brimful bookshelves arranged in tightly On another matter, we have been asked spaced rows or “stacks.” Finally, imagine boxes by quite a few readers to provide news of the of unpacked material piled on top of almost ever) young man we have been coaching—6'3”, 415 shelf up to the ceiling. (We are also fortunate to have another stor- pound Mark Henry. It would probably be safe to say that over the age space of approximately 1000 square feet down the hall and it is past nine or ten months, Mark has received more attention from the packed floor to ceiling with less frequently used items.) media—both print and electronic—than any competitive lifter since Before all this material could be moved to Anna Hiss Gym, Paul Anderson back in the 1950s. The pressure from the media of course, the bookcases on which it has rested for the past 15 years over the last months has been unprecedented for any iron gamer other or so had to be emptied and moved to their new location. Because than such bodybuilding legends as Steve Reeves and Arnold. IRON GAME HISTORY VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

It began last spring with a long, flattering piece on the front length in most of the top bodybuilding magazines. page of the New York Times following Mark’s gold medal in the Pan Last week, he laughed and said he’d been interviewed so American Games in Argentina. Since that time he either has appeared many times that he was beginning to feel like he was running for or will appear on such television shows as Late Night With Conan something. Indeed, media pressure of this sort is enervating, but Mark O’Brien, The George Michael Sports Machine, The CBS Summer feels he owes it to the game to make himself available. In almost Sports Show, Prime Sports’ coverage of the 1996 National Weightlift- every article and television show, he manages to get across his mes- ing Championships, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, ESPN’s Pro- sage that drugs are not necessary for world class strength, and he told files, Primetime Live, and The Today Show. In the medium of print, an interviewer the other day that he felt much more kinship with he was profiled in a long story recently in USA Today, featured on the men who did their top lifting before 1960. He said that he con- the cover of Vanity Fair in a photo by the celebrity photographer sidered his top competitors in weightlifting today to be cheaters, pure Annie Liebowitz photographed by Life for their photo essay on bod- and simple, and that he knew he was in a fight that wasn’t fair. He ies in the Olympics, given a two page spread in U.S. News and World went on to say that even if he doesn’t win the gold (or any other) Report, featured twice in Outside magazine, covered at length in medal in Atlanta, he still believes that his way—the old way—is Newsweek, written about again in Sports Illustrated, and profiled at the best way.

2 IRON GAME HISTORY VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

PATRON IRON GAME HISTORY VOL. 4 NO. 3 SUBSCRIBERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS April 1995 John Balik, Vic Boff, Bill Brewer, Dean Page 1. Relocation Blues...... Terry Todd Carnenares, James Compton, Robert Con- 3. Philadelphia to York...... John Fair ciatori, Mr & Mrs. Bruce Conner, Peter 18. Saga of Galen Gough...... GregTravis DeAngelis, Michael Dennis, Salvatore 27. Grapevine: OBSA Dinner ...... Ken Rosa Franchino, Dr. Martin French, Dr. Peter George, Mike Graham, Fairfax Hackley, Norman Komich, Jack Lano, James Lorimer, Co-Editors ...... Terry and Jan Todd Executive Editor...... Dorothy J. Lovett Don McEachren, Dr. Walter Marcyan, Dr. Creative Consultant...... Steve Bittick Spencer Maxcy, Juanita Peoples, Terry Business Manager...... Kim Beckwith Robinson, John Roche, Ulf Salvin, In Mem- ory of Joe Santillo, Frederick Schutz, Harry Editorial Board ...... John Balik (Santa Monica Schwartz, Frank Stranahan, Dr. Ted Thomp- CA), Jack Berryman (U. of Washington-Seattle), Vic Boff son, Frank Tirelli, Kevin Wade, Joe Weider, (Fort Meyers, FL). John Fair (Auburn University- Fred Yale, Harold Zinkin. Montgomery, AL) William H. Goetzmanu (U. of Texas- Austin), John Grimek (York, PA), John Hoberman (U. of FELLOWSHIP SUBSCRIBERS Texas-Austin), Joe Roark (St. Joseph, IL), Al Thomas (Kutztown Univ.), Dave Webster (Irvine, Scotland). Anonymous, Joe Assirati, Bob Bacon, John Benson, Alfred C. Berner, Mike BonDurant, Howard Bovell, Bernard Iron Game History is published by the McLean Sport History Fellow- ship at the University of Texas at Austin. Address: Terry and Jan Todd, the Todd Brand, Jerry Byrd, Massimo Capoccioni, Al Christensen, McLean Collection, Anna Hiss Gym 107, The University of Texas at Austin, Vera Christensen, Bill Clark, Jim Clark, Dr. Gerald Coles, Austin, Texas, 78712. Telephone: 512-471-4890. Fax: 512-443-0381 Martha Deal, Bob Delmontique, Lucio Doncel, Marvin U.S. Subscription rate: $20.00* per six issues, $35.00* for twelve issues, Eder, William Eubanks, Stephen Galya, James Gray, James $50.00 for twelve issue McLean Fellowship membership, $100.00 per twelve issue McLean Fellowship Patron's subscription. (Additional information can be Hammill, Howard Havener, Dykes Hewett, Marvin Hol- found on page 24.) Address all subscription requests to: IGH Subscriptions, lan, Raymond Irwin, Harold Kendell, Sol Lipsky, Dr. John Anna Hiss Gym 107, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas. 78712. Long, Rolan Malcolm, Louis Mezzanote, Torn Minichiel- *Canada and other foreign subscriptions add $5.00 (U.S.) per six issue lo, Joseph Mullen, Bill Nicholson, Susana R. Nixon, Joe subscription. Back issues: $4.00 each. Ponder, Dr. G. L. Porter, Joseph Puleo, Dr. Ken “Leo” Rosa, John T. Ryan, Dr. Joseph Sansolo, Pudgy & Les Iron Came History is a non-profit enterprise. Postmaster: Please send address corrections to: Iron Game History, Subscription, Anna Hiss Gym 107, Stockton, Edward Sweeney, Mark Tenpenny, Irving Tor- The University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712. (ISSN 1069-7276) res-Rivera, Lou Tortorelli.

2 APRIL 1996 IRON GAME HISTORY

FROM PHILADELPHIA TO YORK: GEORGE JOWETT, MARK BERRY, BOB HOFFMAN, AND THE REBIRTH OF AMERICAN WEIGHTLIFTING, 1927-1936*

John Fair, Ph.D. Auburn University at Montgomery

Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment of a trilogy on the origins of American weightlifting written by Dr. John Fair, chairman of the history department at AUM. The first two installments appeared in IGH vol. 2 no. 6 (May 1993) and IGH vol. 3 no. 5 (December 1994). If you missed those issues and would like copies, back order information is available on page 28.

and Jowett’s conduct of exhibition meets at Milo on a regular basis, Philadelphia became the center of iron game activity.2 That Jowett was unable to sustain his lofty standing may be attribut- ed to his inability to control the commercial and political infras- tructure of weightlifting. Hence the capricious owner of Milo, Daniel Redmond, was easily able to replace him as editor of We have always Strength in 1927 with the more pliable Mark Berry.3 American had a soft spot in weightlifting languished for several years as Berry’s Association our heart for of Bar Bell Men (ABBM) proved to be merely an imitation of the Philly, because once it was the Mecca of bar- ACWLA and the parent company struggled to survive the onset bell bugs. We came here timidly and shook hands of the Depression. But Berry, through the offices of Dietrich reverently with the Great Man, and later, when Wortmann, did forge an important alliance with the Amateur Ath- Calvert passed out of the picture, we hobnobbed letic Union (AAU), a step that was as important to the future of with his successors, George Jowett and Mark American lifting as the promotional acumen of Jowett. What Berry. We met our long-time pal Sig Klein in brought these disparate strands together in the early 1930s was this very town, in the old, dusty Milo building on Bob Hoffman whose financial resources and dynamic personal- narrow Palethorp street. ity brought about a supplanting of Redmond’s malevolent influ- Came the 1930s and like the Capital of ence and a rebirth of American weightlifting. the United States was once moved to York during The story of these unique developments has never been Revolutionary Days, young and vigorous Bob recounted in full. The first historical glimpse of events in this crit- Hoffman picked up the torch that others had laid ical era was provided by Hoffman in his “Story of the World down, and the Capital of the Weight-Lifting World Famous York Barbell Club” in successive issues of Strength & moved 90 miles westward to Muscletown. Then Health just after World War II. Unfortunately the account ter- the real development of American Lifting began.1 minates in 1932, York’s take-off year, and, not surprisingly, –Harry Paschall focuses unduly on the achievements of Bob and his gang, rele- gating other worthies of the sport to bystander roles. Jowett, for In the early decades of the twentieth century, weightlifting instance, invited by Hoffman to a contest in the mid-1920s to became an organized sport in the United States under the guidance choose York’s strongest man, “just sat there aiding us perhaps by of Alan Calvert, Ottley Coulter, George Jowett, and David Willough- his presence, but doing nothing to run the meet.”4 Likewise David by. But it was Jowett who did most to foster its growth during the Willoughby’s serialized “History of American Weight-Lifting,” 1920s through his development of the American Continental Weight which appeared in Your Physique a few years later, strongly Lifting Association (ACWLA) and his editing of Strength magazine reflects the author’s personal views and the activities of the Los from 1924 to 1927. Not only did the latter constitute a major source Angeles Athletic Club. With regard to the circumstances behind of inspiration for fledgling lifters, but its effect was enhanced by its the submission of the ACWLA and ABBM to the AAU, he is association with Milo Barbell Company, the principal supplier of lift- only able to admit “I do not know.”5 David Webster’s Iron Game, ing apparatus since 1902. With the presence of Herrmann’s Gym though providing a much broader and more balanced perspec- 3 IRON GAME HISTORY VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

tive, comes to no closer quarters on substantive issues of reorgani- the organizational hierarchy of weightlifting, however, it was neces- zation. As for Hoffman, he points out that “Bob has never been noted sary to supplant his connections with the increasingly powerful AAU. for his modesty and likes to tell of his most interesting life. So much At its Baltimore convention in 1926 Jowett had assumed chairman- has been written about him that further comment here would be ship of an AAU weightlifting committee which included Roy Smith superfluous.”6 Yet Hoffman’s triumphs in the early 1930s cannot be of New York City, Donald Mitchell of Easthampton, Massachusetts, so easily dismissed, and lest his role be overstated by relying too much Albert Manger of Baltimore, and Marion Betty of Los Angeles. on York publications, it is possible to gain a more accurate picture of Exactly how it would relate to the ACWLA was unclear, but it was how the center of gravity in weightlifting shifted from Philadelphia incumbent on Jowett to coordinate the committee’s activities with to York by consulting hitherto untapped sources in Strength and the AAU chief Charles Dieges.12 In the months following his takeover Todd-McLean Collection at the University of Texas. of Strength, Berry made every effort to inspire a new organization- Upon being dismissed from Milo in 1927, Jowett’s first al framework. After informing readers of the August 1927 issue that inclination was to strike back. “Redmond pulled off a dirty trick on “the response to our call for members has been nothing short of me,” he told Coulter, “but I am not through with him yet. If it is pos- wonderful,” Berry announced that the new ABBM would have a sible I will make him regret it.” To this end, Jowett intended to file board of control consisting of Warren Lincoln Travis and Siegmund a $17,000 suit for damages, reinstate his claim to profits from the sale Klein of New York, Charles McMahon and himself of Philadelphia, of his books by Milo, and reassert his right to advertise in Strength. and Arnold Schiemann of Baltimore.13 He also set up a photographic He was also scheming to “buy Redmonds mailing list through anoth- posing competition, reported a major strength show that he refereed er firm,” he explained to Coulter. “He will go mad if he knows it is in New York City, listed the current British and European records, for me. By the way he is laughing he has got me out of the business and announced plans for future shows in Philadelphia. Included in and that I cannot get a job in the game.”7 Jowett felt nothing but con- the latter was a national weightlifting competition to be conducted at tempt for Redmond who had “better be careful for I am not in the various locations nationwide with the results being mailed to Strength. mood to be trifled with by a physical inferiority as he” and for Berry Robert Hoffman, still a relative unknown, won the heavyweight class who “looks like a starved shit.”8 Despite his bravado, Jowett need- in Philadelphia (by default) and thereby became national champion, ed a steady income to support his ailing wife Bessie and daughter With this flurry of activity under the ABBM rubric, affiliation with Phyllis in Canada, and for awhile he even considered joining his the AAU might not have seemed necessary to Berry, but to ensure pal Coulter on the police force in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. His sev- that Jowett did not seize this organizational initiative he secured a erance from Milo not only cost him advertising and mail privileges statement from its secretary, published in the December 1927 issue but denied him an effective medium for self-promotion and propa- of Strength, that the AAU was not allied with the ACWLA.14 gation of his gospel of “scientific lifting.” Eventually he worked Jowett was, in fact, planning an approach to the AAU, but his way back into the iron game by founding the Jowett Institute of concern over its links with the International Olympic Committee Physical Culture and pursuing various other mail order schemes with (IOC), involving changes in bodyweight classifications and number International Correspondence Schools in Scranton. But survival was of competitive lifts, made him reluctant. Whereas both the ACWLA by no means easy. Jowett was forced to sell his home in Philadel- and ABBM were modeled on the rules of the British Amateur phia and to sleep in his car during the summer months.9 Then he Weightlifting Association (BAWLA), it was French rules that had avoided room rent by “sleeping in the shop of a friend,” he related to largely governed international competition since the Antwerp Coulter in December, “but it is getting too cold for that, so I figured Olympics in 1920.15 Whatever prestige might be accrued from such if I could get a good office room cheap it would do for both purpos- an affiliation, reasoned Coulter, it could also discourage membership es. I hit a good one this week with heat & light for 20 oo a month less in the ACWLA. “The more lifts, the more lifters will be interested than I paid for a room. I brought all my stuff in today...Bit by bit as lifters are mainly interested in what the organization will do for I will get some necessary things, but we can’t do biz with no place to them.” With only the Olympic lifts being contested, he could see lit- operate or store things.” With the Jowett Institute only beginning and tle benefit aside from improving “the status of a few, very few, bonafide the ICS having experienced its “worst year,” with “terrible losses,” amateurs that would compete in an A.A.U.” This arrangement would the outlook was bleak. “It will be a lonely Xmas for me,” he pre- “put a lot of capable lifters out of any worth while recognition. Per- dicted. “That rat Berry I’ll get & when I get him I get him good.”10 haps this A.A.U. recognition is worth the sacrifice to get a chance Meanwhile Redmond and Berry were making every effort to get back at Milo.” Indeed Coulter felt a sense of proprietary inter- to erase all traces of Jowett’s association with Strength and to sup- est in organized lifting in the United States, having originated (with plant the ACWLA with the ABBM. How curious it must have seemed Jowett) the first association, and if there was any money to be made for readers to encounter Jowett’s plea for $2.00 to join the ACWLA through the AAU “we have did [sic] as much to earn the same as any- in the June 1927 issue followed by Berry’s pitch for $2.75 for ABBM one .”16 Notwithstanding these reservations, Jowett seemed deter- membership the next month! Surely the credibility of organized lift- mined to secure AAU affiliation which he was able to do for $10.00 ing must have suffered from the presence of two obviously rival asso- in the Middle Atlantic Association in early 1928. He also intended ciations with equally grandiose designs. The extent to which Jowett to change the name of his organization from ACWLA to the Amer- was cast aside was most evident in the publication of American ican Amateur Weight Lifting Association (AAWLA), “thereby seiz- weightlifting records in successive months. Whereas Jowett appears ing the national title for the asso. & crimp any reactions from others prominently in those listed for June, his name is noticeably absent for American always signifies top dog.” By such means he hoped to from the July listing.11 To ensure Jowett’s complete exclusion from “make the big plunge towards success.”17 4 APRIL 1996 IRON GAME HISTORY

In succeeding months Jowett drafted new bylaws for the market chest expanders, spring sets, an abdominal board, and even association, and Coulter became convinced that affiliation would be leotards, but to no avail. Jowett’s proposition for a $10,000 loan from “the best means of combating Milo.” This strategy would enable a bank president fell through, and his publication (through the Jowett them to “control the amateur lifting and issue the only titles that Institute) of a series of instructional Man Power booklets failed to will be recognized by the A.A.U.” What concerned Coulter was the catch on. Despite AAU acceptance and innumerable strike-it-rich possibility that Milo might try to affiliate directly with the Federation schemes, Jowett had to face the fact that it would be impossible to Internationale Halterophile (FIH). But he doubted that “the Euro- regain his former stature in the iron game without adequate financial pean organization would recognize any organization from this coun- resources. try unless there was some prestige mixed in it like the sanction of the Milo, on the other hand, though having the wherewithal A.A.U.” The best way of securing strong standing within the AAU, to stake sole claim to AAU and international recognition, seemed he thought, was to publish a physical culture magazine with an ancil- to lack the motivation. In an early 1928 poll of its readers, Strength lary focus on track and field news.18 Despite the absence of any activ- received near unanimous approval to change from British to conti- ities since Jowett’s dismissal from Strength and the lack of an alter- nental regulations, but recent contacts with BAWLA made Berry dis- native publicity medium, Coulter wanted to believe that the ACWLA inclined to change the present structure.21 His stance was reinforced could at least maintain parity with its rival. “I suppose that the by a decision not to send a contingent of American lifters to the A.C.W.L.A. has already attained as much official recognition as Olympics in Amsterdam where the standard three lifts—-press, snatch, the barbell assoc. will ever attain but it is hard to tell as publicity is and clean &jerk—were first performed. Berry noted that “the Ama- the big thing and they have the medium at present.” He was pleased teur Authorities of this country have to be convinced concerning at least to learn that Redmond and Berry could not directly affiliate the quality of the lifting material who would represent the Stars and with the FIH. “I hope that we will be able to do so later and put a big Stripes against the best from all other comers of the Earth.” A quick thorn in their side.”19 Upon acceptance of the ACWLA by the AAU analysis of the highest totals of America’s leading lifters led him to in early July, Jowett felt confident that they could disallow joint reg- believe that light heavyweight Al Manger was “the only man among istration to ABBM members. Again Coulter demurred. our amateurs who would have a look-in.” It would be hard to justi- fy the effort and expense of sending a team “with chances of placing All you state about ruling them out of but one man out of the fifteen or so who would compose the team.” the Milo Assoc. is ail right if it does not limit our To compensate for this admission of weakness, the A.B.B.M. was own membership too much. If it works it will be offering an ersatz gold medal to any amateur lifter who equaled the a terrible blow to them but we will have to be third place winner in his class at the Olympics.22 It is hardly sur- careful about this as most of the amateurs in this prising that there were no takers. In a more practical vein, Strength country do not care much for their chances in the regularly promoted and reported on meets that were held in Philadel- Olympic Games as they realize that they do not phia and elsewhere, thereby imparting a greater sense of camaraderie. rank high enough on those lifts. They are after Berry hoped that “by the time of the next Games our boys will be all the publicity they can get and know that they capable of giving battle to the world’s best.” But Berry never expect- have a better chance on lifts in which they are ed that his countrymen would be capable of beating the Europeans. more proficient. They no doubt will think that The results of the 1924 Olympics in Paris had led some “students Milo is in the best position to give them publici- of strength” to believe that “the approximate limit in lifting had ty because of Strength Mag. If they get the pub- been reached,” only to see it surpassed by the Austrians, French, and licity they will not care much whether they get the Germans in 1928. Berry portrayed European lifters as invincible, sanction of the AA.U. or not but as time goes on and even after an ABBM rules committee recommended affiliation and they realize that they are getting no real offi- “with the International Federation as soon as possible,” he seemed cial wordwide recognition with the Milo Assoc. reluctant to act.23 they will gradually see the value of joining with More resolute leadership was soon forthcoming from an us. We need a medium for giving them equal pub unexpected quarter. Dietrich Wortmann, a wrestler at the 1904 licity with Strength. Olympics and leader of the German-American Athletic Club (GAAC) in New York City, had already gained an appreciation for a nation- As Coulter recognized, the critical factor to their success would be al amateur sports regulatory body. In 1927 Wortmann anticipated the launching of a magazine. To this end they sampled reader opin- both Jowett and Berry by presenting to the AAU a set of rules con- ion from old ACWLA mailing lists and newer ones obtained from forming to international practice. Along with a sanctioning of the Earle Liederman. They decided that “The Body Builder” would be GAAC and its rules by the AAU, Wortmann was named chairman the best name and that it should include articles under such headings of the Metropolitan Weightlifting Committee and subsequently nation- as “Stalwarts of Strength,” “With the Boys,” “Rules and Records,” al chairman.24 Berry grudgingly acknowledged the presence of this “A.A.W.L.A.,” “Hands and Wrists,” “How Strong are You,” and new power, noting in the February 1929 issue of Strength that “there “Around Vulcan’s Forge.”20 Their major problem was insufficient are quite a number of good lifters in this club.” Sig Klein, one of its capital. In addition to start up costs, yearly estimates for production newest members, suggested a team match in New York between the of a 34 page magazine were in the $25,000 range. Neither Jowett nor GAAC and ABBM amateurs. Berry regarded this challenge as a Coulter had access to this amount of cash. Attempts were made to splendid idea, but “it is our belief that the G.A.A.C. men would 5 IRON GAME HISTORY VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

have to step some to take the measure of the A.B.B.M. boys,” who dle “didn’t know how they could lift, they ate and drank so much.”30 would include the likes of Al Manger of Baltimore, Arnie Sund- This occurrence serves as a reminder of the extent to which compet- berg from Portland, Oregon, Artie Levan from Reading, Pennsylva- itive weightlifting on both sides of the Atlantic is rooted in German nia, and Robert Knodle and Dick Bachtell from Hagerstown, Mary- culture. 1and.25 Such an encounter never materialized, but next month’s issue Wortmann’s rivals, however, were not prepared to concede included full publication of Wortmann’s rules and an announcement sole control over lifting to the New York Germans. Jowett, who had that an AAU national championship in weightlifting would soon take attended one of their earlier meets, was not impressed. It was “rot- place at the German-American club.26 In succeeding months Berry ten,” he sardonically told Coulter, and he did “not wait to see the fin- tried to disparage Wortmann’s efforts by contrasting the exorbitant ish. Berry was there and when he saw me he beat it.” Later Sig Klein ($2.00) entry fee with the nominal costs for ABBM membership, cer- allegedly asked Jowett if he would talk with Berry. “I told him if tificates, diplomas, etc. Furthermore it was his intention to seek Berry wanted to keep his face and body whole to stay away from me ABBM affiliation with the AAU and the FIH. What helped convince or I would smash him right there. He did too.” Jowett vowed too him to do so was a special AAU meet staged by the German-Amer- that Redmond “will get his yet.”31 Unable to secure a special place icans in March where he met the AAU president, Col. Charles Dieges. for himself in the AAU, Jowett seemed determined to play the role “It is a pleasure to meet this gentleman,” observed Berry. “The of a spoiler, but he possessed neither the personal following of Wort- Colonel, a powerfully built man of sixty-three years, has a manner of mann, the publicity medium of Berry, nor the financial resources of shaking hands by which he reaches forward and pulls the other man Redmond to “call the shots” in the iron game. towards him. You should have seen the weight lifters fly off their Berry, with less reason to be bitter, also displayed piques balance as they gripped with him.”27 Although it seemed somewhat of jealousy over Wortmann’s AAU connections. Though he rec- contradictory to his own aspirations for control over a national reg- ognized in the September 1929 issue of Strength the need to conform ulatory body, Berry urged ABBM members to join the AAU also. to FIH standards, he believed that in America “the game of weight Especially with Jowett and Wortmann having already made a com- lifting would be due for a terrible flop if any serious attempt was made mitment, he could not afford to ignore the possibility of tapping the to entirely rule out all lifts other than the five recognized by the AAU’s growing prestige with the IOC and FIH.28 International body.” Therefore he sought to develop a closer rela- The first AAU national championship in tionship with BAWLA and “continue to promote interest in all rec- weightlifting, held on May 3 and 4, 1929, was a spectacular success. ognized lifts.” After printing a lengthy letter from BAWLA Secre- Strength called it “the greatest carnival of weight lifting in the his- tary W. J. Lowry touting the virtues of the British tradition, Berry tory of the game, in America.” It was “a great boost for lifting in pointed out the impracticality of Wortmann’s “continental” reforms. America, and we must take off our hats to Mr. Wortmann for all “That such rules are incomplete has since been adequately proven at the trouble he has gone to in getting things properly started in the recent lifting contests.”32 But Berry remained unsure of his ground. A.A.U.” The most notable feature of this gathering, unlike previous In announcing the upcoming ABBM championships, designed to national championships, is that it was staged at a single time and place, challenge Wortmann’s AAU meet as the premier national event, he thereby imparting a greater sense of uniformity and excitement to the decided to adhere to the new international standards for weight class- proceedings. Much was made of how welterweight Arnie Sundberg es and number of contested lifts, while otherwise allowing recogni- had traveled all the way from Oregon to take part. But the most tion of both AAU and ABBM rules. He admitted that “some length distinctive characteristic of the meet itself was its domination by of time will be required to properly iron out this question of rules. the big German-American clubs of the New York City area Although If. . . we find very few interested in the old style of lifting, we will no official team scores were recorded if three, two, and one points adopt International rules completely.”33 Berry was unable to deter- are allotted to first, second, and third places respectively, the follow- mine which path held the greatest prospect for future success in the ing would result: iron game—the British trail blazed by Jowett for the ACWLA and ABBM or the new international order being created by Wortmann Cooper AC, Brooklyn, New York ...... 15 for the AAU. German-American A.C., New York, New York ...... 11 A further unsettling factor for Berry was the uncertainty of Arcade A.C., Hagerstown, Maryland ...... 6 his position in the Milo organization. Redmond, its proprietor and Deutsche Eiche, Hoboken, New Jersey ...... 4 publisher, was a businessman who had no sentimental links to Independent Entry, Baltimore, Maryland ...... 3 weightlifting. For him it existed chiefly as a means to the greater end Multonomah A.C., Portland, Oregon ...... 2 of making money. But the ABBM, like the ACWLA, was never a profitable enterprise, and whether the specialized activities of strong- Of the 23 competitors, 19 had German-sounding names—Rasch, men ever stimulated sales of merchandise amongst the general pub- Kettner, Meisenbach, Froelich, Rohrer, Gruebel, Faas, and Knaup lic interested in physical culture is questionable. Redmond tolerated being among the more obvious. Some of the lifters had only recent- Berry’s association but was unwilling to invest in it. Not only was ly arrived from Germany.29 A Teutonic cultural flavor was palpable there no lifting team in the Quaker City, but in 1928 the monthly to lifter and spectator alike. Robert Knodle, seven-time national cham- strength shows that had been held for years at the Milo building on pion from Maryland who won the 112 pound class, recalled that many Palethorp Street were discontinued. In October 1929 they were of the competitors “could hardly speak English. All they would do resumed on Chestnut Street at the new studio of Lynwood “Bill” was eat and drink. The bartender would be lifting the next day.” Kno- Lilly, a strength star who (having performed a world record shoulder 6 APRIL 1996 IRON GAME HISTORY

AT A MEET IN HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND, IN 1932, BOB HOFFMAN (CENTER) AND THE MEMBERS OF THE YORK OIL BURNER ATHLETIC CLUB POSE WITH OTHER OFFICIALS AND COMPETITORS. STANDING NEXT TO BOB IN THE SUIT IS ROBERT SNYDER.AL MANGER IS STANDING AT THE FAR RIGHT. ALSO INCLUDED ARE BILL AND WALTER GOOD, ART LEVAN, BOB KNODLE, DICK BACHTELL, AND JOE MILLER. H OW MANY OTH- ERS CAN YOU IDENTIFY? –TODD-McLEAN COLLECTION

bridge of 458 pounds) was now trying to become an entrepreneur of the west shores of the broad Atlantic.” Furthermore all ABBM shows sport. Other new businesses that sponsored clubs and served as and athletes must now be registered in the AAU. For good measure, staging areas for lifting and bodybuilding shows were established by he even published from Spalding’s handbook, the rules defining ama- Charles Durner in Allentown and Arthur Gay in Rochester.34 No teurism. It was obvious from various endearing references to the such link between business and sport seemed possible at Milo, though activities of the German-American clubs that an understanding had it was ideally situated to patronize weightlifting. Despite Berry’s been reached between Berry and Wortmann. The former and the enthusiasm, and the presence of Charles MacMahon and Robert Jones, ABBM would remain the focus of attention for iron game enthusi- Redmond begrudged every penny spent on the sport per se. Strength asts while the latter and his AAU associates would control the course was an important source of information on lifting activities and an of competition.36 Berry estimated that “the greatest lifting ever wit- inspiration to physical culturists, but it was becoming less of amoral nessed in America was seen at the National A.A.U. Championships.” force in American weightlifting. That Philadelphia was no longer With 25 new AAU marks being established, American lifters were able to chart a course independent of the AAU was evident in the can- “improving by leaps and bounds” and “have lately been approach- cellation of the 1929 ABBM national championships. “We did not ing the European standard.”37 The extent to which the ABBM was become properly affiliated with the A.A.U. until rather late,” Berry now subsumed under the AAU was evident from the fact that all admitted. Credibility was undermined by there being too few entrants enquiries concerning AAU activities, including national champi- registered and too few locations sanctioned by the AAU. “In some onships, were directed to Berry. Still the combined talent and finan- quarters, totals were made under A.A.U. sanction in other quarters cial resources of the two leading organizations in American weightlift- fellows lifted who were not registered, some of the latter type are still ing were deemed insufficient to send a team that would be compet- to be heard from while the majority of A.A.U. members hold back itive to the 1930 world championships in Munich.38 to be certain of their steps.”35 This abject failure actually signified Underlying at least some of this weakness was a general progress in the sport by ending the practice of holding national cham- economic malaise associated with the onset of the Great Depression. pionships by mail. Most importantly, Berry was forced to abandon “Business is terrible,” Jowett reported to Coulter in May of 1930. the pretensions of the ABBM and to respect the new regulatory author- “The whole bottom fell out of the advertising with March.” Some ity of the AAU, thereby imparting a new course to American issues of physical culture magazines featuring his ads “have never weightlifting. given a single order. I cancelled all my June and July ads.” Even his To align himself with the Gotham Germans, Berry quick- correspondence courses with ICS were “taking an awful licking. ly came to terms with the AAU. In the spring 1930 issues of Strength Things were going fine but all report the same. It just seemed as he devoted considerable effort to publicizing the forthcoming Nation- though something stopped everything.”39 But Jowett seemed to be al AAU Championships in New York City, assuring readers that it faring better than most mail order musclemen. In September he told would be a “competition, the like of which has never been seen on Coulter that he had recently been to New York where he had 7 IRON GAME HISTORY VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

“just two things he talks about chiefly—one, the success of his busi- personal contact with all in our field. Titus is out ness of manufacturing oil burners, the other weight lifting.” On August completely. The Federal Trade Commission sus- 31 his men defeated Hagerstown by an even greater margin 3,165 pended him. The agency took it over to get their to 3,110 pounds, despite the presence of two national champions money out. They lost so heavy with Titus and on the latter team.43 An encounter on September 27 yielded similar Jimmy De Forest who is more than broke that they results, but what most impressed Berry was the luxurious facilities ruined their credit. Crusader is in bad water from where the lifting took place in York. magazine and wholesale depression . . . Brietbart is out I think for good. Atlas is out personally for If you as a real dyed-in-the-wool weight good. Titus is trying to do something with Michael ljfting enthusiast have entertained day-dreams of McFadden which he owns. Earle [Liederman] an ideal club for iron-men, you have only to see tried to do something with the apparatus end since the York O.B.A.C. club-house to realize that your his course flopped. He lost very heavy on both dreams have come true. In truth, it is a verita- and has stopped his apparatus campaign. I was ble palace situated on the outskirts of a thriving with him and he told me personally he was hard city of some sixty odd thousand citizens. hit. You would be amazed to see the empty desks. A private lifting gym wherein a few hun- From 96 employees he now only has ten. dred spectators can be seated, spacious loung- ing, game, and dressing rooms, with buffet and What interested Jowett most, however, was the condition of Milo, dining accommodations. We might even go so especially Strength, which had taken over Correct Eating Magazine far as to say it is beyond the dreams of avarice. earlier in the year. Strength was reputed to be in “the worst” state of If you ever get within a few hundred miles of York, all the physical culture magazines. “What in Gods name has hap- by all means go around to see this— the worlds pened to it I cannot fathom” exclaimed Jowett. “I do know they do finest weight lifting club.44 not have the reading following they did. Earle said it looked to him that all the circulation they had was 500 . . . I think Redmond made As Hoffman’s aggregation continued to reel off victories, it claimed a mistake when he took over Correct Eating. It was a failure with to have the best weightlifting team in the United States. But to deserve only 20,000 readers.” An advertising agent had supposedly told this honor the York Oil Burner AC. would need to beat the formidable Jowett that Redmond “felt the need of me and asked me if I would German-American team from New York. consider going back. I said not at any price.” Indeed Redmond What enabled Hoffman to establish such a bold profile in remained the “one guy I hope does get hit and hit out for keeps.”40 the iron game so quickly was his success as a businessman. Origi- Meanwhile Berry continued to sponsor monthly strength nally from Pittsburgh, he came to York in 1920 at the urging of his shows at various locations, including Hermann‘s Gym and the Grand older brother Chuck who had been stationed at nearby Fort Meade Fraternity Building on Arch Street. That the Quaker City remained and had married a local girl. After pursuing various marketing an important hub of iron game activity was indicated by a successful schemes, Bob entered a partnership with Ed Kraber, the son of a local show in March 1931 which produced the biggest gate ever and the plumber. Kraber had inherited some money and had designed one 1931 AAU national championships in May at the Penn Athletic of the country’s first automatic oil burners, but he was “no salesman” Club which, in Berry’s estimation, evinced the “finest lifting ever recalls an early business associate.45 The partners sold oil burners seen in America.”41 Again the German-Americans dominated the from the middle Atlantic coast to the hinterlands of Ohio, and their competition. Lifting as a heavyweight was Robert Hoffman, repre- profits steadily increased during the 1920s. Hoffman estimates that senting the York Oil Burner Athletic Club (YOBAC). His third place he sold 227 oil burners in 1927 and continued that pace for the next total for five lifts of 731.5 was less than the winning totals of the five four years. Soon there were branches of York Oil Burner in Philadel- preceding classes and elicited no comment in the official report of phia and Toronto also reporting spectacular gains.46 By the early the lifting.42 Yet it was Hoffman’s activities as a promoter that excit- 1930s Hoffman according to his brother Jack, was making money ed constant attention in Strength over the next two years. The Octo- at an unbelievable rate,” perhaps as much as $60,000 a year.47 In ber 1931 issue reported a dual meet at York between lifters headed 1928 Bob and his wife Rosetta purchased a one bedroom bungalow by Hoffman and a rival team assembled by Dick Bachtell from Hager- on a Susquehanna River inlet. It was here that he claimed to have stown. Outstanding lifting by Art Levan and Joe Miller, recruited recruited his earliest lifters, devised the barbell training system he from nearby Reading and Salunga, provided the winning edge of 45 later peddled, and performed his first serious weight training—after pounds for the York squad in a competition that lasted until 3 AM. winning the national championship! In 1929 Hoffman and his part- Indicative of his growing enthusiasm for the sport was Hoffman’s ner acquired a permanent building at 51 N. Broad Street in York to hope to participate in the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles; and if manufacture oil burners and barbells. Hoffman also purchased some poor pressing ability kept him off the team, he was willing to serve land on Lightner’s Hill in north York where he built the YOBAC club in the menial capacity of loader. In the meantime, he would be orga- house and started constructing in 1931, the multi-story “house on the 48 nixing meets between teams on opposing sides of the Mason-Dixon hill,” designed to be his dream home. With his new found afflu- Line. Berry, who credited Hoffman with “doing everything possi- ence he could take business interests more for granted and devote ble to promote lifting” in southern Pennsylvania, noted that there were more energy to weightlifting. “Finally in 1931,” he later admitted, 8 APRIL 1996 IRON GAME HISTORY

“I was so situated that I could go on with the game I had come to love The standing of the ABBM, as a non-profit adjunct to Strength, more than any other.”49 The key to his eventual success in appro- appears to have been even more precarious. Though it boasted in priating the iron game to himself was the attachment of his sporting 1931 Of having three times as many members as the earlier ACWLA, interests to his business enterprise. it suffered acute financial losses. Strength had absorbed this burden It seems remarkable that Hoffman’s glory years began in in the interest of sport, but henceforth it vowed that the ABBM would the depths of the Depression, at just the point when all other physi- be administered on “a firm business basis, paying for every opera- cal culturists were suffering monumental losses. In April 1931 Jowett tion incidental to its maintenance.” Accordingly membership fees estimated that “this game is ruined beyond measure.” Earle Lie- were increased drastically to $1.00.53 Unfortunately the response derman, the most successful muscles-by-mail vendor of the 1920s to this appeal for more member support was “disgustingly apathet- “had a worse blow than anyone,” Jowett told Coulter. ic.” It was, of course, the heart of the Depression and many of the estimated half million barbell users in the country were unemployed His agency is broke for over $100,000 Nevertheless Strength scolded its readers, insisting that “greater coop- in bad advertising for 1930. Earle would not eration on your part is essential—absolutely essential.” Despite its help with his money and whether his wife began advertisements and gimmicks, ABBM membership was only 2,000, to think he would and lose all he had is hard to and the same individuals were always having to organize and pro- say but she ran away with another fellow taking mote weightlifting events. Earles imported Italian car and unfortunately robbing Earle of every penny he possessed. Now contrary to what a lot of you may Unfortunately Earle had all his securities in her think, no one is either getting rich or making a name as a protection if such a thing happened penny out of the A.B.B.M. Instead, the lifting to the advertising game as did, then they could organization has always been a money losing not come on him, but she stripped him clean. proposition, and if we may be permitted the free- Earle has been in a sanitorium under treatment. dom of saying so, weight lifters are quite apathetic He is broke in heart as well as financially. . . when it comes to properly supporting the very Everybody in the magazine and athletic and phys- things in which they should be vitally interested. ical culture business have taken a terrible lac- Oh, yes, we are fully aware of the exist- ing.50 ing belief that the A.B.B.M. is hooked up with the sale of bar bells. Well, let us assure you it isn’t, Jowett was by no means immune to these untoward circumstances. and certain parties who should know are con- By July the lack of sales “completely wiped me out,” he told Coul- vinced that the game of weight-lifting is essential ter. He had had to relinquish his interest in his latest venture, the neither to Strength Magazine or the promotion American Athletic Appliance Co. “My creditors took it away and of bar bells . . We wonder if you fully realize what operate it from New York. . . I owe the advertising company over would become of the lifting game if those who are $4,000.00 and the printer nearly $2,000.00. The bank wiped all my behind the A.B.B.M. should become disgusted and investments out and I owe them $5300.00 . . . I am broke worse decide lifting was too unprofitable. We venture than ever in my life.”51 the guess that within several months American Jowett, now an advertising manager for a wholesale firm lifting would be dead as the proverbial door-nail.54 in Connecticut, was consoled only by the fact that his old Milo adver- saries were doing no better. He had heard that Strength was “dead Obviously Milo Barbell viewed Strength and the ABBM as finan- entirely. Few people use it. It has too many padded readers.” Jowett cial liabilities, regardless of their potential advertising value. Money explained to Coulter that Redmond stayed in business by buying was tight everywhere it seemed—except in York! address lists of defunct magazines. Despite such a dismal outlook, Berry drew inspiration from the preparations that were underway for the forthcoming Olympics I should say he buys out the old maga- in Los Angeles. More attention nationwide was being focused on zines so he has the subscriptions to fill in order to performing the Olympic lifts and Berry, once an exponent of the 60 prove to the Advert. As so that he has so many sub- lift British tradition, now believed that “everyone should concentrate scribers and readers. He bought out a dead diet upon these lifts for district, sectional, and local championships.” magazine and a matrimonial magazine and a American lifters were “all the time trying too many different stunts. confidence mag, so you can form your opinion . . . The truth on this question is that if you want to be a good javelin what he is doing. He has not paid a foundry bill thrower, you practice with a javelin.”55 Also featured in Strength for over three years and owes over $16,000, I was a full explanation of the program and Olympic regulations and have this from the foundry. He gets away with it pictures of the well-appointed Olympic village. This first Olympiad because his father is a partner but the president on American soil since 1904 was definitely helping to standardize, is sick of it and asked me to take over that type internationalize, and popularize weightlifting in the United States, of business and he would help me.52 and there would be no excuse for not engaging the formidable Euro- peans and Egyptians. Raising $6,000 to send a team to Los Angeles 9 IRON GAME HISTORY VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

FLANKED BY MARK BERRY (LEFT) AND DIETRICH WORTMANN (RIGHT), THE MEMBERS OF THE 1936 OLYMPIC TEAM POSE IN THE OLYMPIC VIL-

LAGE AT BERLIN. –TODD-MCLEAN COLLECTION might have seemed an impossible goal, especially given the mea- special medals and trophies for their performance, but what he most ger finances of the ABBM. But Berry seemed undaunted. “Come needed was a sure-fire method of recruiting better lifters. Hoffman cdl—let’s see what sort of sports you fellows are,” was his appeal.56 was by no means above the most flagrant violation of the amateur Meanwhile Hoffman’s standing was enhanced by his inclu- code, including outright payments to athletes, but he found a far more sion among the American weightlifting officials for the Olympics. effective and legal method of attracting lifting talent to York—a With Wortmann as manager, Berry as coach, and Emmett Faris of job in the oil burner business. It would be difficult to imagine a Cincinnati as trainer, Hoffman was named assistant trainer. Perhaps more effective lure for America’s best lifters in this bleak decade than even more indicative of his status was York’s selection as the venue the prospect of secure employment and access to the finest training in 1932 for both the Middle Atlantic championships and the AAU facilities anywhere. “At first we didn’t mind getting beat,” Hoffman national championships. The latter was especially significant inas- told team member Walter Good in early 1932, “but now we want to have a first team that can beat the best team that can be gotten togeth- much as it was originally scheduled for Philadelphia. The most 58 important test of Hoffman’s growing strength, however, was his er.” He would use the remarkable economic power he had accu- encounter with the redoubtable German-American team in Decem- mulated at York to appropriate the cream of weightlifting talent in ber 1931 at the York club house. The New Yorkers, spirited by the eastern United States. Tony Terlazzo’s 600 pound total as a featherweight, easily outclassed Hoffman’s clever compromise of the amateur spirit was Hoffman’s team and a visiting Hagerstown squad by 3,890 to 3,725 made even more egregious by his practice of making barbells from to 3,375 pounds. At their next meeting in February in New York, the the same facilities used in the manufacture of home heaters. Although German-Americans bested the YOBAC by 4,114 to 4,031 pounds. he produced his first barbell (from a German design) in 1929, he notes Strength reported that “the most remarkable score of the day was, that 1932 marked the real beginning of the operation. “A sale of 22 beyond any question, that of Tony Terlazzo; just note that his total bar bells during the week of [the] fourth of July, 1933, stood as the was but 5 1/2 pounds behind the score of the Egyptian world’s cham- record in the sale of York Bar Bells for a time.”59 His team became pion, and but 16 pounds under the best ever scored by a featherweight so integrated with the company that it trained not at the luxurious club in official competition.”57 Losing at anything was intolerable to Hoff- house on Lightner’s Hill but on a ramshackle platform on the second man, and it was becoming obvious that drastic measures would be floor of the Broad Street factory. Long before the Olympic ideal was necessary to establish his paramountcy in weightlifting. He was tarnished by the nationalization of sport by countries eager to make already paying to transport his lifters to distant meets and offering a political statement, Hoffman was using his corporate resources to 10 APRIL 1996 IRON GAME HISTORY

make his personal mark in weightlifting. been satisfactorily arranged.”62 Thus Hoffman wisely decided not Opposition, however, soon emerged from those interests to declare war on troublesome AAU regulations but to use its orga- that had most to lose from Hoffman’s strategy. “Some strange mat- nization and status to advance his own cause. ters have arisen in official lifting ranks,” remarked Berry after Hoff- In the 1932 national championships at York in June, Hoff- man enlisted Dick Bachtell from Maryland and Wally Zagurski man’s team won its first of many nationals. Because of the person- from Indiana to lift for him. At issue was an AAU rule requiring ath- al power and prestige at stake in triumphing over Wortmann, it made letes from another district first to compete unattached for a year. a deep impression on Hoffman. For the rest of his life, winning the team title at the AAU nationals became his foremost aim as a means These two transfers . . . took place late to showcase his influence in the sport. York compiled 22 points as in March, so neither of the men is eligible to lift against 15 for the German-Americans and five each for teams from on the Y.O.B.A.C. team either in the Middle- Detroit, Portland, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore. Strength reported: Atlantic title events on April 30th or the Nation- als on June 4th; nor may they compete for M.A. The biggest factor in deciding the team titles. That is . . . true on strict A.A.U. definition honors was the transfer of Anthony Terlazzo from as applying to athletes in general. But, there is a German-American A.C. to unattached in the Mid- queer angle in connection with lifting . . . The dle Atlantic district. The young fellow was out of A.B.B.M. is a member of the Middle-Atlantic Asso- work and learning of the possibility of landing a ciation and not directly affiliated with the Nation- job in York he went there. However, he was al Body. In which case it might be decided that informed that holding the position depended upon every AB.B.M. member, regardless of where his his not representing the G.-A. Club, hence the residence may be, belongs in the M.A. a district and transfer. The loss of Terlazzo, who was regard- has the right to compete in such district without ed as a certain winner, by the G.-A. Boys, result- transfer. ed in a dampening of their spirit. Indeed, we are surprised they came so close to the York combi- Berry further noted that the “parties concerned. . . aren’t very jovial- nation. ly inclined over the turn of events.” Permitting Bachtell and Zagurs- The York O.B. outfit should have a pow- ki to cross district lines might set a precedent for other elite lifters, erful team a little later on as Bachtell and Walter such as Tony Terlazzo, Art Levan, or Bill Good, to travel around the Zagurski are now residing there waiting for the country to win titles. There was an ambiguity surrounding lifters who A.A.U. time limit to expire so they may repre- held multiple memberships in the AAU, the ABBM, and affiliated sent the team. Beyond any doubt other fellows clubs.60 Given its unprofitability and conflicting jurisdiction with the would like to locate there as the environment is AAU, serious questions emerged over whether the ABBM should most ideal. continue to exist. Underlying this whole process, however, was a subtle shift of power that was taking place in two stages. Berry’s Although York lifters won three weight divisions (to none for the ABBM had already been eclipsed by Wortmann who effectively German-Americans), Hoffman protested that two more of his men applied the AAU’s international leverage to his advantage. Now the were denied victories by the tie-breaking lightest man rule. Even latter’s authority was being undermined by the financial wizardry of when Berry pointed out that this rule complied with AAU rules and Hoffman. international practice, Hoffman further defied the powers-that-be (on There is no question that Wortmann was using his influ- his home turf) by suddenly deciding to lift during the course of the ence in the AAU to harass Hoffman, but his team’s loss in April l932 meet, despite having initially signified his intention not to compete in New York to the YOBAC, 5,725 to 5,835 pounds, was a devas- and having never weighed in. Berry regretted Hoffman’s arrogance. tating blow. Critical to Hoffman’s victory was the appearance of his “Until most recently, American weight lifting was entirely free of two “ringers,” Bachtell and Zagurski. The latter, according to Strength, bickering and questioning of official decisions.” He noted that “the was “the sensation of the meet.”61 Hoffman confided to Walter complaining emanates from but one source. Steps can, should and Goal that Wortmann and Berry “didn’t do any protesting until after may be taken to end this unjust criticism of honest and impartial offi- we won at New York, but they surely have tried to make it difficult ciating.”63 Looming ahead lay the question of whether the intrusion since that time.” Not only was there an attempt to exclude Bachtell of Hoffman’s expansive ego was too great a price to pay for the and Zagurski, but Hoffman’s opponents protested his use of the financial revival of American weightlifting. York Oil Burner A.C. name as commercialism, that too many major Bob, however, was still a relative newcomer and had little meets were being held in York, and that some YOBAC members had influence over the ruling councils of the sport. At the Olympics, violated amateur guidelines. Hoffman took decisive steps to check bronze medal wins by Tony Terlazzo and light heavyweight Henry his adversaries. “I have been appointed A.A.U. Commissioner in this Duey of Detroit helped the United States team attain a third place fin- territory and have been on very intimate terms with the A.A.U. Com- ish in its first international outing. Team results were: France 36, Ger- missioner in Pittsburgh for the last twenty years,” he told Good. “And many 22, United States 20, Czechoslovakia 15, Italy 14, Austria 9, thanks to Mr. Clarke in Philadelphia, the President of the A.A.U. Denmark 5, and Argentina 1. “So close was the team scoring,” accord- there, being in favor of the work we are doing here, everything has ing to Berry, “that had Tony won and Suvigny been disqualified as 11 IRON GAME HISTORY VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

he should have on his presses and snatches, the U.S. would either just what I wanted so we allied our interests and here we are.”67 have tied or beaten out France.”64 Largely because he was exclud- Though the magazine later served chiefly to promote Hoffman’s ideas ed from a dominant role in this quite respectable showing, howev- and products, it initially reflected many of Jowett’s British deriva- er, Hoffman characterized it as a loss and criticized American offi- tions. The name itself was an obverse of Health & Strength, found- cials for mishandling the American team. Berry, in a lengthy report ed in London by Hopten Hadley in 1902. Jowett also revived the on the FIH Congress meeting in Los Angeles identified two auto- ACWLA, proclaiming that it had left an “indelible stamp” on cratic forces that endangered the welfare of weightlifting. First, “the weightlifting. present manner of French domination of the sport must discontinue,” especially the influence of FIH President Jules Rosset. But his more The work accomplished by the immediate concern lay with the future of American lifting. A.C.W.L.A. has never been equalled . . . There is not a champion or star lifter today who did So strongly have we tried to make it not get his start in the A.C.W.L.A., excepting those appear to be a sport embracing saints and angels who were too young to enlist at that time. Numer- that perhaps the thing has been overdrawn . . ous athletes and certain officials of today who lay It may be as well that the game has in the past claim to a degree of leadership, owe all they are, in this country not assumed sufficiently large pro- even their livelihood, to the A.C.W.L.A., which portions to get mixed up in the things which bring if this had never existed would have left them in troubles. We do know that conditions have recent- total obscurity. None who attended can forget the /y changed in this country; that is, since the for- great strength demonstrations and shows it fos- mation of a certain club the members of which tered . . Once more the A.C.W.L.A. is answering have become too ambitious. This was remarked the crusading call.68 upon by a certain famous lifter who regularly journies East to take part in the National title A final anglicism was the American Strength and Health League, a events. He stated not so long ago that the game curious amalgam of the Boy Scouts and a pen pal club. Its object was was changing very much in this country and that “to promote right living, proper physical training,” and “the health of whereas the spirit formerly was friendly to all the youth of our nation.” It encouraged young people to be “tem- hands the exact reverse was getting to be true, perate in all things” and to employ “the golden rule.” Certificates and there being too much ill feeling and an over-desire badges were distributed, and medals were awarded for physical to win over the other fellow in certain quarters. excellence. Jowett and Hoffman stressed “physical training for the Up until the last National Championships we had masses” and the need to “keep our country physically equal to or not experienced trickery and underhand tactics superior to all other countries.”69 Such fine phrases and elaborate in the attempt to win, but that last title event organization could easily be dismissed as gimmicks employed by brought in any number of things which we never two clever promoters to bilk an unsuspecting public. Financial gain thought could have taken place in our beloved ego gratification, and a desire to improve their standing in the iron game. 65 game were undoubtedly foremost, but there was also an element of high-mindedness in their appeal. Hoffman reacted to these criticisms first by an unprecedented request These initiatives threatened to upset the balance of power that he be appointed to the national committee. When he was unan- in the strength world. “We are having nice response from our efforts imously rebuffed by the ruling clique, he made what was arguably on the magn,[sic]” Jowett reported to Coulter in January 1933, “but the most momentous decision in the history of the iron game—the the going is slow and times are still bad” With regard to the ACWLA, creation of Strength & Health magazine.66 Already in possession he was delighted that “all the old and new boys have come over en of the necessary financial resources and the finest lifting club in the masse to us and the old association. They are tickled to death it is country, what Hoffman now needed was a propaganda organ to being revived.” Only Manger was holding back as “Berry’s last stand consolidate his claim to weightlifting hegemony. by.”70 Despite public pronouncements that they were above the bla- The ostensible reason for his demarche, however, was more tant commercialism of earlier promoters, controversy soon set in for altruistic. He was supposedly dismayed by America’s lackluster per- Hoffman and Jowett. “We anticipated the fight of jealousy and formance in the Olympics. The foreign competitors “looked upon envious competition, and the filthy breath of slander from those who the United States team as something of a joke,” Hoffman wrote. see the finger of doom pointing at them from the sword of our teach- He resolved to make America the world’s foremost lifting power. ings. We burnt all our bridges behind in our eagerness for the duel.”71 An important step in this design, and to enhance his own standing, In subsequent months every effort was made to revive the ACWLA was to ally his fortunes with those of the other outcast figure in for its impending duel with the “parasital forces” of Wortmann and weightlifting. Forthwith George Jowett eagerly accepted Hoff- Berry. Its first meet in March 1933 appears to have been a success, man’s offer to become publisher of Strength & Health. “This pro- but Jowett interpreted it as a personal triumph. “It was like old times,” motion comes out of the great wrong Berry has done Hoffman” Jowett he told Coulter. “Went over with a bang and when I came forward explained to Coulter. “Hoffman I have known many years and he the crowd rose and cheered. Berry felt terrible. I made him get up controls the Oil Burner business in U.S.A. He needed me and it was to be introduced and no one clapped. That should have been enough 12 APRIL 1996 IRON GAME HISTORY

to show to him who is who in this game.” Jowett was so puffed up who has had experience in the game knows full from being back in the limelight that he suffered from delusions of well that lifting has prospered under A.A.U. affil- grandeur. Indeed he had just returned from a physical culture con- iation and control; how differently from the days vention where he had been the “honor guest” of fitness mogul Bernarr when the A.C.W.L.A. had something to do with Macfadden. “Them was a big attendance and many eminent people. it? Weights were seldom weighed and likewise My lectures went over big so much so they asked me to be one of the with the lifters. Records were claimed for all speakers in response to the toast at the banquet with Wainwright Evans and sundry with no basis for the same. Lately we the novelist. B.M. congratulated me and asked me to stick to the have a repetition of the same thing . . . The quar- game. He is much impressed with what I have gone through and rel that Mr. Berry has had with the crowd in ques- done. They generally concede today I am the biggest shot in the busi- tion all along has been in reference to laxity of ness.” However true it might be that Jowett was making an impor- rule enforcement. Certain parties are too ambi- tant contribution to York’s success, he began to view himself as indis- tious to achieve their ends at the expense of all pensable. He took full credit for the early issues of the magazine. “I other lifters and so they take any means of getting do all the planning, lay out, spacing, selection of MSS, Editorial proof into official recognition: when they are not allowed ready & selection of type etc.” He also appeared to be on the verge to tramp unbridled, an attempt is made to gain of striking it rich by being able to market his own brand of Saxon Bar- control of the amateur game through influencing bells along with two brands of York Barbells in Strength & Health. 72 the boys to believe that those who are behind the What he failed to realize, however, was that Hoffman no more than game have axes to grind and have been playing Redmond, would not tolerate anyone who attempted to usurp his unfair to the lifters. Never has the game been authority. Jowett’s failure to mount an ACWLA national champi- more fair and on the up-and-up in this country onship in the summer was a premonition that his boasts were possi- since Mr. Wortmann assumed the chairmanship bly premature. of the National Committee and urged lifters every- The certainty of success for Hoffman however, was beyond where to support him. Those who have been most question. At the Middle-Atlantic Championships in April at Bridge- active on the National Committee have been jeal- port, Pennsylvania, his club monopolized the competition. Only four ous of the conduct of the game and have done of the 35 lifters were non-York, yet as Berry pointed out, virtually everything possible to keep the game clean and none were actually from York. It appeared that Hoffman was “anx- above those who would commercialize it to their ious to see that no one else won any places. It is this sort of thing that own ends. breaks up competition and one can hardly imagine any club in the country meeting this outfit with hopes of winning much less to look This attempt to ban the ACWLA was followed by a stalwart defense for competition in the M.-A. District.” Likewise at the Junior Nation- of Wortmann in the next issue of Strength, rebutting point-by-point als in May the York gang far outdistanced all the rest, garnering 22 the charges made against him in Strength & Health.75 Every effort points to only 6 for the German-Americans and 3 or 2 each for the was being made by Wortmann and Berry to elude the embrace of remaining eight clubs.73 Competition at a meet held at Cobb’s Creek Hoffman’s ego and money. At stake was whether amateurs–not with- Park in Philadelphia on July 4th was a little less onesided, but Hoff- out pride and ambition–would continue to exercise control; or whether man used the occasion to attack Wortmann’s leadership in the AAU. weightlifting would succumb to the forces of professionalism and With 35,000 people attending, he thought it important that those commercialization. “in charge of amateur athletics should first of all look the part.” The ease with which Berry thought he could rid weightlift- Wortmann had gained a lot of weight since his wrestling days and ing of Hoffman’s pernicious influence is evident in a Strength cari- was no longer fit. But Hoffman was most critical of his authoritari- cature of “Personalities” who attended the 1933 senior nationals at an manner, referring to “Kaiser Wortmann” who ruled with an “Iron the Chicago World’s Fair. Nowhere is Hoffman’s face or name iden- hand” over America’s lifters as if they were “Christian slaves” or tified among the 72 figures displayed. But it was impossible to ignore conscripts in the German Army. ‘This man Wortmann is riding for him and his club which amassed more points than all the other teams a fall. It is only a question of time until the A.A.U. will find that the combined. Furthermore Hoffman pointed out that his outlawed man they made the mistake to place at the head of the A.A.U. is the association “was very much in evidence,” to the extent that it “won wrong man for the job, that he is doing the sport more harm than every one of the senior titles.” Indeed “the A.A.U. and A.C.W.L.A. good.”74 Berry retaliated in two ways. First, he instigated a special worked closer together at this championship than ever before.”76 meeting of the national weightlifting committee, including Wort- Eventually the two warring factions reached an accord in late 1933 mann, Arthur Gay, Emmett Faris, John Britt, Helmut Frank, and him- at the annual meeting of the AAU national committee in Pittsburgh. self, which declared the ACWLA an “outlaw” organization. He “We felt that two bodies could not operate one sport without con- reported that siderable friction and did not wish to break up American weight lift- ing,” wrote Jowett. Though the ACWLA had a longer association plenty of discussion preceded this motion and it with lifting, he conceded that the AAU should have power to sanc- can be said that all were not only familiar with tion all meets and conduct all championships. The ACWLA would all the events leading up to the resolution but in “be a fraternal organization like the American Legion” to promote full accord with the spirit of the move. Anyone the sport. In a face-saving gesture, Hoffman accepted this inferior 13 IRON GAME HISTORY VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

status only if Wortmann agreed to recommend ACWLA leaders to he has to pay his p.c. business bills out of Oil Burn- AAU committees.77 The ACWLA, no more than Berry’s ABBM, er funds. He uses their checks. On some he uses was not capable of resisting the power which the AAU exercised over S & H Co checks but few. Which all proves he national and international sport. is not making money, but he does things no intel- For the next three years an uneasy tolerance prevailed ligent man would do. He hates everyone, and is between the Strength and York factions. During this period three insanely jealous of me. Every kid who pats his events occurred that would resolve these questions over authority and back makes his chest swell a mile. He is con- forever transform the course of American lifting. First, there was a sumed with ego.83 parting of the ways between Hoffman and Jowett after little more than a year of collaboration. In the February 1934 issue of Strength Now at last Hoffman was virtually the only barbell manufacturer in & Health, Jowett’s name no longer appears on the masthead, and the country, and with Bob Jutes, a skilled handbalancer from Arkansas, in the October issue it is announced that he was stepping down as at the helm of the client Milo operation in Philadelphia he could lay president of the ACWLA, supposedly owing to the “pressure” of his claim to a tradition going back to 1902. For all practical purposes, “many business interests.”78 The exact circumstances surrounding the transition from Philadelphia to York was complete. his departure are unclear, but Jowett told Coulter that Yet Mark Berry refused to recognize Hoffman’s suprema- cy. Indeed a flattering caricature of Berry in one of the final issues I quit Hoffman because the man is crazy. He start- of Strength pronounced him to be a true father of the iron game for ed because he was sore at Milo. I did a lot for inaugurating “This New Era!”84 The irony of this caption can be him. Let him use my contracts and contacts but appreciated only in retrospect, especially in view of his dwindling he abused them. He has the mag on the jew- financial resources. Jim Messer, who drove Berry to meets, recalls stands [sic] where I put it, but it does no busi- that when Strength folded Hoffman tried to get Berry to work for ness. Of course he does not have to rely on it for him.85 But the latter remained aloof, preferring instead to start his a living. It is a hobby with him . . .Hoffman has own magazine, Physical Training Notes, and his own brand of Berry got a big head. He thinks he is the Czar. I told Barbells from his home at Llanerck, just outside Philadelphia, prob- him he was a punk. . . He copies and cheats and ably with Redmond’s assistance.86 Unlike others, the stubborn Berry steals other peoples ideas which one of these days could not be bought or coopted. will land him in serious trouble.79 Predictably therefore, tensions between the two leaders mounted, especially with the 1936 Olympics on the horizon. Hoff- Soon the ACWLA and the Strength and Health League disappeared man eyeing berths for members of his team and himself as Ameri- and Hoffman concentrated all his efforts toward bolstering his influ- can coach, developed grandiose notions of his organization as a ence in the AAU. He had learned much from Jowett, including the world weightlifting power. Having won the senior nationals for a art of exaggeration in which he far surpassed his mentor. “He always fourth time in 1935, Bob represented his lifters as the world’s strongest assumes more than what actually is,” Jowett later wrote of Hoffman, club, comparable to the talent of entire nations. Germany supposed- “and can distort a meaning of a fact so great one wonders at times ly had the strongest team in the world, but the combined totals of its whether he is all there in the head.”80 One organization simply could five best lifters exceeded that of York’s best five by only 84 pounds.87 not tolerate two such egocentric personalities. Jowett was again Further to ensure a prominant role for himself at Berlin, Hoffman relegated to oblivion and a lasting bitterness toward anyone who tactfully promoted Wortmann as a “hard worker for amateur athlet- attained patriarchal status in the iron game. In the following decade ics.” He could afford to be generous since the German-American his talents would be exploited by the Weider brothers to establish club was no longer a weightlifting power. It was trounced at the 1935 themselves as Hoffman’s chief nemesis, but never again would the nationals by York, 31 to 7. At the junior national championships in man who did most to establish regulated weightlifting in the United Cleveland in April 1936, Hoffman recognized that “no man has States be a major force. done more for weight lifting” than Wortmann. But his flattery was The second major development that altered the course of to no avail inasmuch as Wortmann secured Berry’s appointment as weightlifting history was the bankruptcy of Milo Barbell Company Olympic coach—an immense blow to Hoffman. He at least made and the termination of Strength in 1935.81 Hoffman acquired their a show of “good sportsmanship,” it being noted in Strength & Health 88 assets and copyright entitlements for $4,000, though Milo had left that Bob “gave no sign of disappointment.” Notwithstanding selec- $2,000,000 in liabilities, including 900 unfilled orders. To drive tion of the wrong person as coach, Hoffman in succeeding months out any remaining competition, according to Jowett, Hoffman was attempted to appropriate America’s lifters as his own. Even though offering to fill the order of anyone who bought a barbell from Milo they were trained by others, he claimed that they had used York and did not receive it for half its original cost. “ He sells a 200 lbs set equipment and methods. Hoffman envisioned that the York-trained this way for $6.00. Materials cost him $8.35 without office overhead team would be “a happy family and a hard working one, who will be and advertising.”82 Jowett seemed perplexed by Hoffman’s ability training, thinking, breathing weight lifting in an endeavor to win to survive against all financial odds. Not only did he supposedly owe the team title for America in Berlin.”89 York Oil Burner $16,000, but Unfortunately the largely York-based team did not perform as well as expected at Hitler’s games. Tony Terlazzo, as a feather- the Oil Burner business is greatly in debt. I know weight, became America’s first Olympic gold medalist in weightlift- 14 APRIL 1996 IRON GAME HISTORY

rounds that he was kicked by a mule, hit by a truck, thrown out somewhere, etc . . . No doubt retribu- tion caught up with him, for his story appeared in the team’s absence. Mails brought it to Berlin. There are men who owe him much and perhaps one of these men caught up with him and paid his debt in part. We couldn’t imagine what it was. No other member of the team had any marks on his face to match Berry’s closed eye, split and badly swollen lip, his greatly enlarged and flattened nose and enough bruises in general to have been the result of going through a concrete mixer. Bob Hoffman had the skin torn on both hands and swollen knuckles but he had slipped on wet pave- ment on the way back to the ship, so we were informed . . . People that throw stones should be prepared to meet the consequences when it comes. Berry spent the next seven days in the confines of his own room, most of it in bed. Perhaps he did a little thinking and may have learned a lesson. If he hasn’t, the same mule might catch him again. 92

What actually happened was that when Hoffman bought out the Milo assets, he assumed that they included rights to Berry’s book Your Physique and Its Culture. He thus procured, advertised, and sold hundreds of copies without giving its author a cent. Berry, howev- er, took legal action and in May 1936 received a favorable decree on all five points of his suit. Hoffman appealed, but Berry won again hence the notice that appeared in his magazine. What must have “MR. BERRY STARTED IT ALL WITH HIS EMPHASIS OF THE INTENSIVE galled Hoffman was Berry’s headline—“I Win the Law-Suit with TRAINING OF THE LARGEST MUSCULAR MASSES OF THE BODY.” READS Bob Hoffman.”93 Bob hated losing, and this must have been the final THE CAPTION ON THIS ILLUSTRATION FROM THE APRIL 1934 STRENGTH. straw in his attempt to cope with Berry who had been an irritant for ing, but no one else placed higher than fifth, and the United States years. Failing in any other way to relegate Berry to a subordinate role team again placed third behind Germany and Egypt. Chagrined, as in the iron game, Hoffman resorted to a final physical solution. Though he had been four years earlier at being excluded from a team that he Hoffman was forced by the state of Pennsylvania to pay him $544 from the sales of his book, Berry never recovered his former stature had largely raised, and unwilling to remain on the sidelines while oth- 94 ers received the credit, Hoffman resorted to desperate measures. While and transferred his interests to swimming. waiting to return on ship at Le Havre, France, Hoffman took advan- Thus by 1936 Hoffman an had emerged victorious over all his tage of his size to carry out an unprovoked attack on Berry. Team rivals from the previous decade and was billing himself as the member John Terpak, who witnessed the incident from a half block WORLDS LEADING PHYSICAL DIRECTOR. “The irony of it,” away, recalls that Bob descended upon Berry along some store fronts remarked Coulter to Jowett. “A few years ago he was an unknown in the French port and beat up his diminutive rival for about 20 or 30 and had done nothing in the pioneering of the business . . . I really seconds.90 Jowett rightly refers to it as a “cowardly assault” prompt- believe that you would have been better off, if you had united with Berry or Redmond instead of Hoffman. Apparently there is no way ed by “pure hate and jealousy on B.H’s part,” but the immediate cause 95 was an embarrassing exposure of Hoffman’s business practices pub of stopping him from being the Big Mug of Muscledom.” Plus- lished in Berry’s magazine during their trip.91 Hoffman explained: ça change, plus c’est la même chose! Hoffman’s success in moving mecca from Philadelphia to York may be attributed to several inter- It would be interesting to know what happened in related factors. First and foremost was the firm financial stake he La Havre, France. The Olympic boat was in port established in the oil burner business in the 1920s which evolved into there for a day and most of the team went ashore. the York Barbell Company. Hoffman used these resources to assem- When Berry came back aboard he was the worst ble the best lifting team in the country and thereby build a social and messed up specimen of humanity we have seen. political base in the weightlifting community. While his initial bid Blood and mud everywhere. The story went the for power in the AAU and the international Olympic structure was stymied the creation of Strength & Health as a promotional organ 15 IRON GAME HISTORY VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

in 1932 broadened his appeal and made his claim to absolute control 16Coulter to Jowett, 16 February 1928. irresistible. His resort to fisticuffs at Le Havre destroyed the last ves- 17Jowett to Coulter, n.d. [March 1928]. tige of resistance to his authority and enabled him to bring about a 18 Coulter to Jowett, 8 & 21 June 1928. rebirth of American weightlifting. Subsequently Hoffman’s consol- 19Coulter to Jowett, 27 June 1928. idation of power became so complete that it was possible for him to 20 alter wholesale perceptions of the past. By acts of historical leg- Coulter to Jowett, 11 July 1928. erdamain, Hoffman would not only demolish the claims of Jowett 21Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” Strength 12(March 1928): and Berry to immortal status in the iron game but deny earlier patri- 65. archs—Windship, Curtis, Attila, Sandow, Macfadden, and Calvert— 22Strength 12(April 1928): 71, and Strength 12(May 1928): 77. their rightful claims to the title of Father of American Weightlift- 23Strength 12(October 1928): 73; Strength 12(November 1928): 57; ing. and Strength 12(August 1928): 55. NOTES 24Dietrich Wortmann, “History of modern American Weightlifting & Body Building,” 1948 U.S. Olympic Team Weightlifting Trials, *I am grateful to Jan and Terry Todd for allowing me to use the Official Program of the United States Olympic Committee, 11. Todd-McLean Collection and for their assistance in the preparation of 25 Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” Strength 13(February this article. My research was also made possible in part by a grant- 1929). 56. in-aid from Auburn University at Montgomery. 26Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” Strength 13(March 1929): l Harry Paschall, “Behind the Scenes,” Strength & Health 56 & 72. 24(August 1956): 26. 27“Membership in the A.B.B.M.,” Strength 13(April 1929): 59; 2See Robert L. Jones, “Wm. J. Herrmann, Health Builder,” Strength Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” Strength 13(May 1929): 56; & Health 15(April 1947): 16-17, & 31-33; and (May 1947): 28, & and Strength 13(June 1929): 51 & 66. 30-33. 28 3 Strength 13(July 1929): 55. It is ironic that heretofore Berry was subservient to Jowett. “In 29 Mark,” according to Sig Klein, “Jowett had possibly the greatest Strength 13(August, 1929): 67. Interestingly an announcement of admirer any cult leader has ever had before or since. He hung on the results of a Silver Cup Posing Contest, conducted by Strength in George’s every word, and often told us, ‘Jowett is the most intelligent previous months by mail, accompanied reportage of the AAU meet. man I have ever known.“’ “Weightlifting Pioneer . . . Mark Berry,” The winner was Walter Podolak of Syracuse, followed by Dick Strength & Health 25(July 1951): 43. Bachtell of Hagerstown, Roy Hurcombe of Adelaide, South 4 Australia, Arnie Sundberg of Portland, and Cheah Chin Poh of See Bob Hoffman, “The Story of the World Famous ‘York Barbell Penang, Straits Settlements. Its juxtaposition made this contest a Club,“’ Strength & Health 13(November 1945): 39 and most issues precursor and rough equivalent to the Mr. America shows that would through November 1946. accompany Senior National AAU championships in subsequent 5 David P. Willoughby, “A History of American Weightlifting,” decades. Your Physique 12(November 1949): 38, and all issues from March 30Interview with Robert Knodle, 3 January 1988, Hagerstown, 1949 through March 1950. Maryland 6 David Webster, The Iron Game, An Illustrated History of Weight- 31Jowett to Coulter, n.d. [April 1929]. Lifting (Irvine, Scotland, 1976), 116. 32 7 Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” Strength 13(September Jowett to Coulter, 22 March 1927, and n.d. [Monday], Coulter 1929): 54 & 80. The FM still recognized the one arm lifts in the Papers, Todd-McLean Collection, UT-Austin. Unless indicated, all snatch and clean & jerk along with the three Olympic lifts. correspondence is from the Todd-McLean Collection. 33 8 Strength 13(November 1929): 53-54. Jowett to Coulter, 4 May 1927, and n.d. [1927]. 34 9 Strength 13(December 1929): 52-53. Coulter to Jowett, 27 July 1927. 35 10 Strength 14(March 1930): 54. Jowett to Coulter, n.d. [December 1927]. 36 11 Strength 14(April 1930): 54; and Strength 14(June 1930): 56-58 John Bradford, “American Continental Weight Lifters’ Association & 74. Notes,” Strength 11(June 1927): 75 & 77, and Mike Drummond, 37 “Association Notes,” Strength 11(July 1927): 78-79. Strength 14(September 1930): 52-53. 38 12John Bradford, “American Continental Weight Lifters’ Association Strength 15(March 1931): 50; and Strength 14(November 1930): Notes,” Strength 11(March 1927): 49. 56. 39 13Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” Strength 11(August Jowett to Coulter. 10 May 1930. 1927): 53-54, and Mike Drummond “Association Notes,” Strength 40Strength 14(23 September 1930); See also “Correct Eating,” 11(September 1927): 48. Correct Eating Combined with Strength, 14(May 1930): 21; and 14Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” Strength 12(January Jowett to Coulter, 10 May 1930. 1928): 49-50, and Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” Strength 41Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” Correct Eating & 11(December 1927): 50. Strength 15(Apri1 1931): 48; and Correct Eating & Strength 15See David Willoughby, “A History of American Weightlifting,” 15(July 1931): 50. 42 Your Physique 12(December 1949): 16, and Gottfried Schodl, The Hoffman’s one hand snatch and one hand clean & jerk were the Lost Past (Budapest: 1992), 74-76. lowest of any competitor in the meet. Ibid., 67.

16 APRIL 1996 IRON GAME HISTORY

43Correct Eating & Strength 15(October 1931): 19; and (November Strength & Health 1(December 1932): 1. 70 1931): 20-21. Jowett to Coulter, 13 & 30 January 1933. 71 44Ibid. 15(December 1931): 34. Bob Hoffman, “Editorial -- What Can We Believe?” Strength & 45Hoffman, “York Barbell Club,” 36; and interview with Lavern Health 1(March 1933): 2. Brenneman, 28 December 1994, York, Pennsylvania. 72Jowett to Coulter, 7 July 1933, and n.d. [mid-1933]. 46Bob Hoffman, “Never Stop Exercising,” Strength & Health 29 73Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” The Arena—Strength (November, l961): 4; and the Philadelphia Record, 22 August 1932. 17(July 1933): 32-34. 47Interview with John L. Hoffman, 1 January 1988, Parker, 74Bob Hoffman, “A.C.W.L.A. Shows and Events,” Strength & Pennsylvania. Health 1(August 1933): 17, 27-28. 75 48Bob Hoffman, “The Story of the York Barbell Club,” Strength & Mike Drummond. “Association Notes,” Arena—Strength Health 13(March 1946): 34-35; and “The World’s Finest Bar Bell 17(October, 1933): 51-52, and Mike Drummond, “Association Club,” The Strong Man 1(November 1931). Notes,” Arena—Strength 17(November 1933), 36-37. 76 49Bob Hoffman, “The Advantage of Qualified Personal Instruction,” Ibid. and Bob Hoffman, “A.C.W.L.A. Shows and Events,” Strength & Health 1(November 1933): 10; and Alan Carse, “The Strength &Health 1(October 1933): 12-14. 77 York Barbell Company,” Strength & Health 8(September 1941), 27. George F. Jowett, “A.C.W.L.A. Shows and Events,” Strength & 50Jowett to Coulter, 17 April 1931. Health 2(January 1934): 19; and Mike Drummond, “Association 51 Notes,” Arena—Strength 18(January 1934): 35. Jowett to Coulter, 2 July 1931. 78 52 Bob Hoffman, “Weightlifting News,” Strength & Health Jowett to Coulter, 16 July 1931. 2(October 1934): 23-24. 53 Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” Correct Eating & 79Jowett to Coulter, 20 March 1935. Strength 14(August 1931): 67-68 & 10. 80 54 Jowett to Coulter, 21 November 1935. Correct Eating & Strength 15(June 1932): 27-28. 81 55 For a requiem on Strength see Sig Klein, “Strength Magazine As Correct Eating & Strength 14(December 1931): 32. I Knew It,” Strength & Health 3 (July 1935): 65-69. On Milo see 56Correct Eating & Strength 15(February 1932): 32. Hoffman, “Sincerity Necessary for Success,” Strength & Health 3 57Ibid., 33-34, and Correct Eating & Strength, (April 1932): 52-53. (August 1935): 62-63 & 84-85. 82 58Hoffman to Good, n.d. [1932] Good Papers, West Reading, Jowett to Coulter, 5 October 1935. Pennsylvania. 83Jowett to Coulter, 16 October 1935. 59Alan Carse, “The York Barbell Company,” Strength & Health 84Jim Wright, “This New Era,” The Arena—Strength 18(Apri1 8(September 1941): 27. 1934): 33. 60Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” The Arena—Strength 85Interview with Jim Messer, 9 July 1990, Norristown, Pennsylvania. 15(June 1932): 26-27. 86Jowett to Coulter. 8 April 1936. 61 Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” The Arena—Strength 87Harry Good, “The World’s Strongest Weight Lifting Team,” (August 1932), 27. Strength & Health 4(February 1936): 16-17. 62 Hoffman to Good, 23 April 1932, Good Papers. 88“Reports of Lifting Shows and Events,” Strength & Health 63Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” The Arena—Strength 4(April 1936): 29-30; and “Reports of Lifting Shows and 15(September 1932): 28-29 & 47. Events,” Strength & Health 4(June 1936): 30. 64Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” The Arena—Strength 89Alan Carse, “America’s Chances in the Olympics,” Strength & (October 1932): 28. Only sixteen pounds separated the top three Health 4(June 1936): 44. totals in the featherweight class: Raymond Suvigny (France)-632, 90Interviews with John Terpak, 3 July 1990; and John Grimek, 11 Hans Wolpert (Germany)-621, and Anthony Terlazzo (USA)-616. July 1990, York Pennsylvania. 65Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” The Arena—Strength 91Jowett to Coulter, 5 October 1936. (November 1932): 29. 92“Something Happened in La Havre, France,” Strength & Health 66Berry noted that “we have never heretofore heard of any such 4(October 1936) 5. Jowett also notes that Hoffman kicked Berry application: when the services of some individual are felt to be for the when he was down, and smashed all his false teeth. Jowett to good of the game he is requested to serve or appointed by the Coulter, 5 October 1936. committee of the district in which he resides; but to approach the 93 Physical Training Notes 2(August 1936): 2 & 20-21. National Committee in such fashion is almost, if indeed not 94 altogether, unprecedented.” Mike Drummond, “Association Notes,” Mark H. Berry vs. Robert C. Hoffman, 11 May 1938, Court of Common Pleas, No. 1, of Philadelphia County, Commonwealth of The Arena—Strength 16(February 1933): 26. 67 Pennsylvania, Hoffman Papers. For a defense of the York position Jowett to Coulter, 14 December 1932. see Robert L. Jones to Coulter, 26 July 1939. 68 Wally Zagurski, “A.C.W.L.A. Shows and Events,” Strength & 95Coulter to Jowett 19 October 1937. Health 1(February, 1933). 10. 69“American Strength and Health League,” Strength & Health 1(Januarv 1933): 20; and “American Strength and Health League,” Strength & Health 1(February 1933): 20-21 ; and “Editorial,”

17 IRON GAME HISTORY VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

The Strange Saga of Galen Gough

Greg Travis Excerpted from: Galen Gough: The World’s Miracle Strong Man (Benton, KY: Greg Travis Pub., 1996) Editor’s Note: Greg Travis, editor-in-chief of the Ben- Gough’s youth was short-lived. While only in the eighth ton, Kentucky Tribune Courier has producd a fascinating biog- grade his caustic restlessness peaked and, according to various raphy of professional strongman Galen Gough and we are grate accounts, he simply got up from his seat one day, walked out of the ful to Mr. Travis for allowing us to excerpt the following pas- small one-room school and proceeded to travel to Louisville to enlist sages There is, however, much more to the story of this strong- in the United States Marine Corps. Soon, he was caught up in what man, movie star, preacher, and artist than can be told here. came later to be known as World War One. Gough, like most professional strongmen, exaggerated many of Gough may have tasted the tragedies of war in places like his claims, but his life was anything but boring. To order a copy the soggy, death-stenched trenches of Belleau Woods, but it was at of Travis’ 312 page, heavily illustrated work, write him at 112 Vierzy, near Soissons, in the Battle of the Marne, that he experienced West Oaks Drive, Benton, Kentucky, 42025-8869. The price is the harsh pain and agony associated with deadly combat Previous- $19.95. ly wounded on several occasions, those injuries, though serious, would pale in comparison to the suffering he was about to endure. Galen Gough was born May 30, 1899, at his grandparents’ In the midst of the organized disorder there came that all- small log home in Howard’s Grove, Kentucky, and was described as too-familiar sound. The explosive projectile was falling hard and fast a big, robust boy who was “smart as a tack” with an unquenchable and it was headed straight toward Gough. With no tune for retreat “love for life.”1 Standing several inches taller and weighing a few the bomb had found its mark. Instantly a piece of hot, burning lead pounds more than most of the other boys his age, the sandy-haired split Gough’s head open, piercing his brain. He collapsed lifelessly lad with the smooth complexion was by-and-large a cheerful young- across the greenish-gray machine gun he was trying so desperately ster. to man. The shrapnel from the German explosive had ripped apart Marshall County residents simply assumed that Gough got Gough’s mastoid section. As a result of the enormous blow to his his strength from his father who was considered quite powerful in his skull, he was left with a paralysis on the right side of his body that ran own right. Those who remembered his father spoke of the elder from his head and face, to his shoulder and arm and all the way down Gough’s unique ability to handle with ease the large farm animals he his right leg to his foot.4 would tend to as a veterinarian. A local writer claimed that Gough’s Time continued to pass. Everyone thought Gough was dead. father “when doctoring a balky mule could grasp the fore and back By all rights he probably should have been dead. But dying on a dis- legs and flip the animal over his back” single-handedly.2 In his tant field of war was not meant to be for Galen Gough, and after early life, Dr. Gough, who was also an ordained minister, had been months of intensive medical treatment overseas he was returned to 5 a farmer and a blacksmith. New York’s Brooklyn Naval Hospital aboard the S.S. Kroonland. The oldest of seven children young Galen carried with him Days of hospital confinement turned to months for the helpless Gough that indelible Gough trait of strength which had been seen repeat- Skilled medical experts at numerous U.S. and overseas hospitals tried edly in both his grandfather and father. Apparently, strength was of repeatedly to offer words of encouragement, but each physician’s interest to Gough at an early age, for in 1935 he told the Los Ange- attempts were met with little success. Over and over the phrase les Times— in a full-page feature in the Sunday Magazine section— “hopeless invalid” came from the lips of the physicians, and it was that as a child he did possess many of “the usual adolescent ambi- expected that Gough would be bed-ridden, or at least strapped in a tions.” wheelchair the rest of his life. I wanted, for instance, to become the Tom facial muscles ripped apart by the explosion, coupled world’s strongest man. Jack Johnson, with his with make-shift remedies, drastically changed his looks. Gone for- glistening black body of such tremendous power, ever was the innocent countenance of his childhood. The wounds to was the worlds heavyweight champion and like his face and head were abominable, but his will to live endured. many other a youth at that time I wanted to Gough’s unyielding perseverance carried him through the agonizing become the “white hope” who could and would months of hospitalization. Nearly one year after that frightful injury, wrest the imaginary crown from his head. My he was finally going home. He was discharged as permanently and body was much as those of my school mates hopelessly disabled, but he was alive and headed back to western except that at the age of 16 I was nearly 6 feet Kentucky as a Purple Heart veteran. tall and weighed around 180 pounds.3 His once youthful body was ravaged and buckled. Behind his grafted left ear was an inch-and-a-quarter silver plate. His face 18 APRIL 1996 IRON GAME HISTORY

and mouth were twisted and he was unable to speak in an under- His exploits caused him to lose his ministry, and soon his standable voice. His eyesight and hearing were seriously impaired. problems worsened. In March of 1920, Gough was examined by And from time to time the pressure sure of the Doctors H.B. Sights and R.B. Kirk- plate in his skull caused him to have patrick in Paducah, and they determined spells—often described as blackouts. Life that because of his war injury he was at home in Kentucky was hard for the suffering from “Traumatic Psycho Neu- war-ravaged veteran. Friends he knew rosis” and thus unaccountable for his before joining the service now crossed to actions. The doctors went on to suggest the other side of the street before stop- that Gough required supervision and ping to gawk and stare. Family members control for his own welfare and that he he loved and played with as a child were could best be provided for by commit- apprehensive of him, and children would ment to a “mental institution.”10 run in fear anytime he came near them. Accordingly, Gough was sent to a gov- Searching for something mean- ernment hospital in the northeast, where ingful to do with his life he reluctantly the medical staff concurred with the Pad- heeded the resurrected advice of his moth- ucah doctors. Ironically, it was in the er and submitted himself to the ministry. hospital that Gough began to heal him- Despite what may have been honest and self. Years later, he recalled “I finally sincere attempts at preaching Christ’s became interested in physical culture. Gospel to the lost, Gough’s pastorate It promised so much and seemed to be didn’t last. Pain from his war wounds based upon sound principles. I took the continued to plague him, and he found study of it seriously. It represented my himself laboring under the pressure of last hope... I started first with a reform extreme nervous strain. Soon he began in my diet, eating good natural food that yielding to the temptations of life. Fight- facilitated digestion and put vitality into 11 ing and drinking became popular pas- GALEN GOUGH, DRESSED AS A GANGSTER FOR ONE OF HIS my sluggish body. times during his idle hours. It didn’t take MOVIE ROLES. NOTE THE FACIAL IRREGULARITIES. Soon, his condition began to steadily long for the business owners or patrons – COURTESY GREG TRAVIS improve. The prolonged days spent in of the various McCraken County estab- the hospital were providing him the lishments he frequented to dub him ‘The Terror of Paducah.”6 Pub opportunity to begin rebuilding, restructuring and regaining not lished accounts of his stopover at the local watering hole described only his body, but his feeble spirit as well. Gone were the impetuous the evening this way: “He had time for but a single drink when one actions that had brought him such repelling notoriety at home. Phys- of the Kentuckians wanted to know what he meant by that sneer. . . ical culture was turning Gough into a new man. [Ed. Note: Gough’s After that, things began happening. Four men attacked the fighting accounts of his weakness and partial paralysis are at odds with parson at one time. He bounced them off the floor. More threw them- the tales of his success as a barroom brawler. Perhaps he thought selves upon him. He tossed them aside. Chairs, bottles and crock- that a weak, paralyzed man who gained great strength through ery began to fly.”7 physical culture made a better story.] “Ex-Marine Runs Amuck, Whips Eighteen Men” read the Gough describes his earliest training efforts thusly: “Using headline in the local newspaper the next morning.8 Newsmen had crude equipment as rocks lashed to sticks for barbells and ash cans become all too familiar with Gough. They knew his new-found rep- full of gravel for weight lifting.” Doctors kidded him about his so- utation. City editors were quick to send cub reporters out to follow called recovery, but he said nothing. up on stories involving the lighting parson. For instance, there’s the story of the time when he stood atop a flight of steps leading from When I still limped with my right foot, I used to the street up to the Paducah Police Station and “hurled cop after put it in a pulley and work the pulley up and cop down the steps.”9 Another well-remembered story involves the down with my good arm, just to exercise the time he got into a bit of a “disagreement” with six Paducah police paralyzed side. I had no strength in my hands. I officers outside a popular night spot on Second Street near the river. used to hold a rubber sponge in my right hand By the time the skirmish had ended he had lifted each of the six and try to grip it to gain strength. officers several feet off the ground, hooked their belts to the rusty iron I had so little strength in my fingers that steps on the sides of some nearby telephone poles and walked away. I could not go on with the art work I had taken in In a 1938 magazine article, Paducah policemen who were on the force the vocational school in New York . . . I used to chew on a rubber sponge to develop strength in during Gough’s exploits of the 1920s were interviewed about the 12 local folk hero. They were quick to acknowledge his strength and to my jaws. recall how his name was legendary in the “River City.” 19 IRON GAME HISTORY VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

In no time his limited exercises had built his neck to 18 inch- but this day was to be different. The champion wrestler was soon es, up from 14 l/2 inches before he began his training. His biceps to meet his conqueror. Knowing his own strength, as well as his had reached 17 inches, which showed an increase in development of recently-tested will power to overcome adversities, Gough answered 3 inches. And his 5-foot, 10-inch body had grown in weight from the giant wrestler’s call for someone from the crowd, and in only two 164 pounds to 223. Convinced he was well enough to take his life minutes Gough had pinned the carnival wrestler to the mat, shatter- back into his own hands, one June day in 1920 Gough walked away ing the showman’s huge, hairy arm in the process. from the United States Veterans Hospital in Philadelphia. Where he Bisch Turner, a friendly man who was putting on the went after leaving the hospital is not clear. sideshow, witnessed the encounter and immediately offered Gough Regardless of where he spent the next six months, Gough the carnival’s strongman position—now vacant due to the broken finally recognized he had a major problem on his hands. Authorities arm. Gough accepted the job on the spot and Turner agreed to pay would be searching high and low for him—not as a suspect for a crime him $1 a day and furnish his meals. In addition to his work at the this time, but rather because he walked away from a mental institu- sideshow as a wrestler and strongman, Gough did odd jobs around tion. So, on December 10, 1920 the Marine veteran and former the carnival grounds before and after the shows.16 hospital patient traveled to Hampton Road, Virginia and re-enlisted Wearing a thick, coarse beard to help conceal his twisted in the United States Marine Corps. Gough described his reasoning and scarred face, Gough, tipping the scales now at 250 pounds, trav- for re-enlisting this way: “By doing this I established my sanity as eled across the south with the Brown & Dyers Carnival. In the sports far as the government was concerned. They wouldn’t want to admit arena he would wrestle all comers. But, after the matches, he would they had a man with a screw loose serving as a recruiting sergeant make a quick exit off the rear of the platform and return donned in a Then I bought myself out of the rest of my enlistment period on gold-and-black, leopard-skin suit as the strongman for an adjoining grounds of medical disability, just reversing the sales-talk I had sideshow. Gough said of his early carnival days: used to get in.”13 Ready to take another step on his journey through life, We didn’t have much money for new equipment Gough returned to New York. While there he continued his study of so we kept straightening out the bar after every physical culture—picking up bits and pieces and storing them in act. It had been bent and straightened out so the back of his mind. The next reports were of him heading south much it was ready to shred. [One day] I had the again aboard a speeding freight train—this time bound for Florida. center of the bar in my teeth with three men There he hid in the swamps for months, finally making his way to his hanging on each side, their feet off the floor, uncle’s house near Lake George. Resting in the company of family, when it split. Steel splinters were rammed into Gough could now gather his thoughts and put them back in order. the roof of my mouth. I couldn’t holler, and the The refuge provided a greatly needed escape. “I realized (at that fellows kept right on tugging. It was awful. I point) that my mind alone could make me whole again. Then and had to have a couple of teeth pulled out with there I determined to use all my mental power to co-ordinate my phys- pliers. It left me sick for days and after that I 17 ical powers and improve my pitiful condition” he said.14 gave up the sideshow idea. Using homemade devices similar to those he had created while in the hospital, Gough commenced with his workouts—pick- Out of a job, Gough decided to enter the thrilling world of ing up where he had left off. From morning to evening, his thoughts daredevil antics. One of his main stunts was to hang by his teeth on were upon his exercises. Day-in and day-out he continued. With a rope suspended from a plane. Gough explained: “I had to demon- strate to the pilot that I could lift a 500-pound weight with my teeth each week that passed he came up with new ways of lifting heavier 18 weights. Intent upon conquering new goals he walked longer dis- before he would ever take me up.” Once, high above an enthusi- tances each day and lifted heavier weights for extended periods. Soon astic crowd of spectators staring motionless toward the heavens, Gough even walked from the wobbling wing of an airplane to the Gough found he was lifting 1200-pound weights with little or no 19 strain.15 Gough was amazed that in addition to his new-found strength, wing of another airplane while in mid-flight. Trouble continued to haunt him, however, and while in his handicapped speech amazingly disappeared. The lisp was still there as a result of his war wounds, but the major speech impediment Toledo, Ohio, trying to join up with a traveling vaudeville troupe, he was interrogated by local police and ultimately arrested on “suspi- was gone. At last Gough could communicate again in an under- cion.” The account of the arrest passed down through the years is standable voice. Unable to hide from the public any longer, one sunny day that a leery storekeeper, assuming that Gough was a thug because of he ventured from his uncle’s home to St. Augustine. The Brown & his unusual looks, immediately summoned the police. Refusing to Dryers Carnival was playing a show date on the outskirts of the go peacefully, Gough protested, and the longer he objected to the town and Gough eager to mix with people again, decided to visit the arrest the more violent he became. Reports say Gough nearly tore the Toledo jail down before he was released.20 The Toledo specta- gala festivities. An ever-popular attraction of the early carnivals and sideshows was the oversized wrestler who would challenge any-and- cle didn’t sit well with many people and apparently Gough landed in all comers to try to stay in the ring with him for a specified Period an observation ward. Upon his release, and faced with the sudden cut in his finan- of time. Seldom, if ever, did a challenger overcome the house wrestler,

20 APRIL 1996 IRON GAME HISTORY

cial status, Gough decided he would take up prize-fighting. Sad to tracks.”)24 say, however, the fighting never really progressed past a few fights ✪ Dangling from a rope tied to an airplane while holding on to in barrooms. His fighting led him to Toronto, Canada, where he land- the rope with noting but his teeth while carrying 50-pound ed a job with the local Elks Club doing an act called a “resisto” per- weights in each hand; formance, in which he would “resist” the efforts of a half-dozen men. ✪Wrapping iron bars around his arm; Struggling frantically, the opponents would try to remove Gough ✪Taking a steel wagon wheel and making a bracelet out of it; from the stage, but never succeeded. ✪Popping steel bands wrapped around his biceps; Moving to other adventures, Gough then found himself ✪Shattering a 4” by 4” board over the crown of his head by wrestling a bear in a traveling carnival for a living. Gough said at the grasping both ends with his hands and pulling down; time that with himself, the bear, an ossified man a mummy and his ✪Performing numerous “resisto-strength” stunts; (this partner all sleeping in the rear compartment of a small truck, it got too stuffy for him—adding that the hot Florida weather didn’t help included making himself so heavy and stationary that large the situation.21 groups of men were unable to budge him from his position); ✪ Sometime in those early years of travel he began to be billed Allowing 14 men to hang from an iron bar he held in his as “The World’s Miracle Strong Man.” It was a title that the pro- mouth: moters loved. But as the account of his extraordinary life contin- ✪A tug-of-war against four men with just the strength of four ued to spread far and wide, even more vivid and exciting honors came of his fingers: his way. Within months of his association with the Brown & Dyers ✪Tossing around a huge, lo-foot barbell made from two full Carnival the young Calvert City native was hailed as “The Strongest beer barrels, one on each end of a heavy iron pipe; Man on Earth,” “The World’s Most Sensational Strong Man,” and ✪Biting keys in half; 22 “The Daringest Daredevil in the World.” Billings that would later ✪Biting five-eighths inch spikes in half; come along included, ‘The Roughest, Toughest, Fightingest Dare- ✪Bending a 14” piece of one-half inch thick iron rod over the devil in the Business; “The World’s Iron Man;” and “The Hercules back of his neck; of modern Days.” ✪Driving 20-penny spikes into a board with his bare hands; Setting a course that would allow him to conquer more fields ✪Lifting 600 pounds by just his teeth, and display his new-found strength, Gough began weightlifting in ✪Performing lifts of 4,001-pounds (a test of strength that earnest. Within two years he had broken numerous standing records by true heavyweights of the profession. By 1925 he was openly broke Warren Lincoln Travis’ previous record. Gough’s accepting challenges from any and all opponents, but, as the faded, endeavor took place at Spanish Fort, an early amusement park yellow newspapers clippings report none could triumph over him. in New Orleans. It was witnessed by Captain Payne and To further substantiate Gough’s claim as the “World’s Lieut. Samuel Levy, both of the United States Service.);25 ✪ Strongest Man,” Dr. John Hewins Kern, the friend he had made Lifting the front half of a Model A Ford with just one hand; several years earlier in New York, agreed to witness Gough’s latest ✪Lifting entire automobiles; feats of strength. Afterwards, in a book on physical culture, Kern ✪Having a car placed on a lift: standing under the car; having wrote that Gough was, “one of the strongest men the writer has ever the lift slowly lowered and then holding up the automobile in met.”23 [Ed. note: Travis is referring to Kern’s book, Vigorous the air: Manhood, published by the Charles Renard Corporatioo in 1925. ✪Placing a mouthpiece in his teeth that had been made fast to Kern relates having seen Gough tear four decks of cards at one a tree and then letting 20 men try to pull him loose; time, bend heavy steel bars, and, most amazing, bite a standard ✪Permitting any man of any size to whip his body repeatedly Yale key in half.] with a large iron bar; During the years between 1922 and 1927 Gough toured ✪Wrapping a semi-steel slab, 2 1/2 inches wide and 1/2 inch every state in the union performing his spectacular feats of strength, thick, around his arm in 10 seconds, a feat that was reportedly and the press splashed his story across the front pages of newspapers never duplicated: and from New York to Los Angeles and from Detroit to Dallas. ✪Juggling a 300-pound anvil, pitching it in the air, catching it During his travels in the mid-1920s he also picked up what on the drop, then tossing it back in the air and catching it would become his “signature” stunt—allowing a vehicle, from an 26 automobile to a semi-truck, to run over him. Among Gough’s other again. feats of strength were the following: Similar stunts were performed by other strongmen of the ✪A tug of war with 40 men pulling on ropes tied to each arm; day, but the fact that Gough had previously been a hopeless invalid ✪A tug of war with a team of horses tied to one arm and a made his accomplishments doubly impressive. Between his vaudeville five-ton truck pulling on the other arm (history records that engagements, Cough fulfilled booking contracts at such annual attrac- once when he performed this stunt “the rear wheels of the tions as the Florida State Fair, the Indiana State Fair, and the Wis- truck spun and the horses strained motionless in their consin State Fair. In Massachusetts he garnered tremendous press coverage when he played the Boston Gardens. 21 IRON GAME HISTORY VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

While the nation’s leading newspa- Kentucky in the spring of 1927. After years pers were splashing his story and picture on of rejection, the people of Marshall and sur- page one, magazines and supplements were rounding counties were cautiously beginning also hurriedly featuring full page articles about to embrace the World War I veteran. “Galen him, Numerous books told of his successful Gough Home to Train for Big Wrestling recovery: radio was touting his name: and Match” “Ex-Marine, Disabled in World War, movie newsreels kept the rest of the world up Now One of the Strongest Men in the World to date on his antics. Unfortunately vaudeville, Is at Home in Benton;” and “Galen Gough of which had been such a significant part of the Benton, War Veteran, Will Wrestle Pesek” American culture during the first decades of were but a few of the headlines proclaiming the 1900s, was slowly dying out. So with a his recovery from hopeless paralysis and his head full of new ideas, Gough returned home return home as “The World’s strongest Man.” to Kentucky. Gough’s fame continued to grow in the In a front-page article in February cities throughout his native western Kentucky. 1927, The Tribune-Democrat welcomed him He also began writing weekly articles for the home from Chicago. The story went on to Paducah newspaper explaining the secrets tell how Gough had been playing the vaudeville of physical culture and how the average per- theaters and that he was now in Benton for three son could improve his/her health and increase months of intensive physical training in prepa- bodily strength at the same time. He called ration for a wrestling match with John Pesek, his column “‘Steps to Supremacy of Strength, one of the world’s champion grapplers.27 Exercise and Diet in Physical Culture”’ by According to the article, the forthcoming Galen Gough, World Renowned Strong Man wrestling match was the result of a claim made Director of Physical Culture.” The weekly in St, Louis by Gough that strength was supe- articles included tips on health, strength, diet- rior to wrestling science. Gough boasted “he ing, fasting, and exercise. was able to break any hold that any wrestler The year 1927 was one of ups and might try to take upon him.” The news story downs for Gough. Not only had he performed further reported that Gough’s challenge had triumphantly before throngs of cheering and been accepted and that Pesek, who at the time supportive friends and fans, it was also the had only recently won the right to meet Stetch- year he received his first really “big break.” er of Iowa for the Diamond Belt, had demand- Bernarr Macfadden publisher of both nation- ally-recognized physical culture magazines ed a demonstration in a St. Louis gymnasium. GOUGH PREPARES TO LIFT TWO BARRELS OF OER- and books on health and fitness printed a series The try-out contest was held, and Pesek, the TEL’S BEER AS A PUBLICITY STUNT. press reported, was unable to hold his chal- on Gough in his periodicals. The articles lenger by any methods—Gough’s predictions were correct How- described him as ‘The Modern Hercules Who Defies the World in ever, Pesek stated that he believed he could defeat Gough in a formal Feats of Strength.” match.28 Bernarr Macfadden, the “father of physical culture”-wild The Paducah Evening Sun also gave Gough front-page hair and all—had become a household name. His publications were coverage on his return, plus it included the following signed state successful among health-conscious people across America. The most ment from John Pesek concerning Gough’s wrestling abilities: famous in his long list of magazines was Physical Culture. In Septem- ber of 1928 Gough was featured in that periodical in an article detail- To whom it may concern: ing his life story and his many accomplishments.30 Macfadden knew I, John Pesek, will personally verify that I do not Gough would be a tremendous asset to his company, so the details believe any wrestler in the world (excluding were soon ironed out and near the end of that year Gough joined Mac- myself or Stetcher) will ever hold Galen Gough, fadden Publications. As Physical Culture and Strength Development professional strong man, to the mat on taking Editor of the numerous publications, Gough immediately began writ- hold, but that Gough will break the hold. ing a weekly column for MacFadden’s New York Evening Graph- In a private test Gough proved to me ic. Its staff was made up of a combination of highly competent old that he is what he claims to be and is the pros as well as young cubs who were to become household names in strongest man I ever met . . .He breaks holds later years—among them, Walter Winchell, Ed Sullivan (with whom applied by me that I have held on the best of Gough became good friends), John W. Vandercook, Fulton Oursler, champions . . . However, I believe in a contest and Grace Perkins.31 that I will defeat him, but not without my best Gough found himself right at home working for the Graph- efforts.29 ic and in January 1929, the newspaper’s magazine section carried a full-page feature about his remarkable recovery. Banner headlines Massive headlines welcomed Gough’s return to western described him as “A New Sandow Whose Strength Grew Gut of a 22 APRIL 1996 IRON GAME HISTORY

tures. In 1930 he was an extra in the prison epic The Big House with Body Crippled in War!” The article, written by Joseph Applegate, Wallace Berry and Chester Morris. Within two years time Gough featured a huge picture of Gough tearing Manhattan telephone books had associated himself with one of the premiere studios in Hollywood in half and a second picture of him being run over by a seven-ton, 32 and had appeared in two of the biggest movies in the history of film. New York Graphic delivery truck. He had offers coming in regularly for work as an extra. Soon, Gough began using 30-day liquid fasts to purify his While in California Gough also found time to author a body—a formula he once said he got “from bears, alligators, snakes weekly column in Hollywood’s Filmograph— publication devot- and other creatures who hibernate with no harm to their physical well- ed to recording the various studios’ weekly activities. He called his being.” Eating no food and drinking only water, he would continue new column “Reconditioning Movie Stars” and it was modeled to perform his feats of strength throughout the month. By these after his former New York Evening Graphic feature. Along the way actions he sought to prove the value of fasting and that he could retain he acquired two honorary degrees which he no doubt believed would his strength despite going without nourishing meals of any kind. add more credence to his articles. One of the degrees was a “Doc- In the spring of 1930, Gough started writing for another tor of Psychology” and the second was a Doctor of Metaphysics.” New York publishing firm, and he was immediately given his own Just prior to his numerous California activities he had man- department and named director of the Health Service Bureau of the aged to write his first book— Health Psychology: Mental and Phys- magazine, Psychology. Gough’s monthly articles for the magazine ical Coordination. The book, dedicated to his friend and business were lengthy, yet informative. In them he would elaborate on his manager W. J. Schoonmaker, was published by Psychology Pub- own experiences and tell how readers could overcome similar obsta- lishing of New York.36 It was a book of principles about “dynamic cles in their lives. The editor of the magazine touted Gough’s strength power, strength and mental vigor through controlled resistance and printing such banner headlines as “Let the World’s Strongest Man directed thought.” It also carried personal testimonies about Gough’s Teach You How to be Strong.” strength by such professionals as Bernarr Macfadden; Carl Easton But problems with drinking and fighting were again sur- Williams, editor of Physical Culture magazine: Dr. Henry Knight facing—so Gough returned to the Brooklyn Naval Hospital. There Miller, editor of Psychology magazine; and John Pesek, the profes- he hoped to find solace. Hospital administrators, now eager to accom- sional wrestler.37 modate and cooperate with the renowned ex-Marine, allowed him to Although Health Psychology was only somewhat suc- rest and recuperate. During his stay he also received some medical cessful when first published, it was instrumental in creating yet anoth- attention for his scars. But, as he remembered, the facial work was er set-back in his life. True magazine reported the events this way: somewhat lacking. No matter how hard Gough tried, his roller coaster ride A young girl read both the weekly articles and through life didn’t seem to want to stop while he was on top. For his book and promptly declared herself in love years problems hid around every comer. Sadly, 1931 would also with him. He took her under his wing, taught her have its share. By then he was out of the hospital, and most of that how to tear up small directories and built up her year Gough could be found tossing wrestlers at Revere Beach, Mas- reputation in films and newspapers as sachusetts, and working with a vaudeville show in Boston. During Hollywood’s strongest woman. [Her former the long summer months, he was introduced to a local, prominent boyfriend] cashed several checks using Gough’s socialite by the name of Virginia Dodge Taylor. Although the rela- name and was jailed, and when Gough returned tionship between Gough and Taylor may have started on a friendly for the hearing he found the girl had moved into basis, it didn’t end that way. his apartment. Gough recalled that ‘she cried On August 3, 1931 Gough filed a $25,000 lawsuit in Suf- and kept getting more and more hysterical until I folk County Superior Court charging that “Mrs. Taylor expressed told her she could stay . . .When I suggested we love for him and admiration for his physical prowess and his robust have a couple of drinks she was all set to physique for the purpose of inciting him to tight Charles Merriman, celebrate. When she had three or four drinks in a local man. And, that as a result of the slashing he received from a her she began to talk about what she really 33 razor wielded by Merriman, he was incapacitated.” wanted and that was $1,000. Her boyfriend, the Once again the newspapers had a “field-day” at Gough’s forger, needed it for his defense and she was expense. The Boston Post’s headline screamed, “Strong Man Sues trying to get it out of me. I tried to toss her out Heiress: charges Mrs. Taylor Invited Him To Fight Man Who Injured of the apartment, but when she began struggling 34 Him —Asks for $25,000” The embarrassing case lasted for months and kicking me I left her and walked out. The with no settlement. As might be expected, the “Bean Town” inci- next day I was arrested for assault with intent to dent, and the substantial coverage it received in the New York papers, kill. What the papers didn’t do with that story: didn’t sit well with his publishers and ultimately cost him his job as “Strong Man Versus Strong Woman,” “Doctor 35 a writer and an editor. So Gough left Boston for California. With Attacks Girl,” “ Girl Throws Strong Man Out,” the carnival, circus, and vaudeville days behind him, he saw only one were some of the headlines. She had me charged thing to do—pack his bags and head for Hollywood. with everything on the docket from kidnapping His tough looks, the source of so many of his problems, and moral charges to attempt to kill. She even landed him assorted small parts in numerous releases, but two of the got through an indictment on the latter charge, first films he appeared in were classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer pic- 23 IRON GAME HISTORY VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

but I was finally tried on simple assault. I pled It was time for more plastic surgery. Of the successful operation he guilty to trying to toss her out of my apartment said “The mental effect of being able to smile like a regular human and took a few weeks in jail to repent.’38 being is amazing. I feel like a different man: I no longer hesitate about meeting people, and my whole outlook on life has changed.”42 This time Gough’s troubles almost got the best of him. He Bucked up by his new appearance, Gough returned to Benton, roamed the country wildly—all the while questioning both his future Kentucky, in late 1936 and began writing a weekly feature for The and his past. In 1933 he ended up in Havana, Cuba. After several Tribune-Democrat entitled “Health and Happiness.” The articles characteristic fights with the natives, Gough was labeled as an unde- highlighted many of the strongman’s previous teachings on physical sirable. The repeated run-ins with the Cuban authorities nearly sent culture. In another regard, however, he went from one extreme to the him before a firing squad. Fortunately for him he managed to escape— other, and this big career change came immediately following the but he was still suffering from severe manic depression. Even the famous Los Angeles beer fast. What happened is that within a few fact that he barely got away with his life didn’t cheer him up.39 weeks of his return to Kentucky he founded the Fidelity Temperance Back in the states, Gough knew he had to come up with League and adamantly shunned all requests from previous “beer fast” something bizarre that would both capture and hold the attention of sponsors. the press and the public. So, while in Louisville, Kentucky, he As founder of the League, Gough wrote the following creed announced that he would live in a large, steel cage and exist solely and had it published in the local newspaper: ‘To promote Temper- on Oertel’s Beer for 30 days—all the while performing his repertoire ance as a moral issue . . . as the direct means of encouraging strength of incredible strength stunts. Just as with his water fast, Gough was of courage and character. . . to disregard all influences which breed to eat no food. But this time he would drink no other liquids either. immorality. . . to give aid to the morally weak. . . to particularly per- To add more credibility to this latest endeavor, a group of Legion- suade young people against patronizing the liquor interests . . . ”43 naires from the Jefferson Post of the American Legion were hired to It’s unclear exactly what caused Gough’s change of heart. guard him around the clock. Standing watch in shifts, the duty of the It could have been that he got several stern lectures from his father, sentries was to keep a 24-hour surveillance. At the end of the 30 days the Baptist minister, about the evils of drinking. Regardless, Gough they would testify to the fact that he had lived solely on the Louisville did change his ways and spoke out the rest of his life against the beverage. destructive powers of intoxicating liquors, touting his temperance Commenting on the uniqueness of the feat, John F. Oertel, campaign to everyone who would listen. Jr., president of the Oertel’s Company, said: “We don’t want any- As always, large crowds turned out at every opportunity to body to get the idea that we are advocating beer as an exclusive see and hear the legendary Gough. Newspapers reported that many diet. We want to establish accurate scientific evidence that good beer of the crowds throughout western Kentucky were so large that spec- will supply nourishment, sustain strength, keep the body in perfect tators had to be turned away at the doors.44 After lecturing for a while, condition and at the same time, not be in the least fattening.”40 Gough Gough would often interrupt his program for strength exhibits such responded with these comments: “I am going to prove that Oertel’s as bending iron rods, straightening horseshoes or pitching an anvil in Beer will give you more energy, more pep, more vitality. I am going the air. Gough refused to make anyone pay to hear his temperance to prove that Oretel’s Beer will keep your body in perfect condition.”41 talks, but with any monies that were raised through other means, he Gough dropped more than 20 pounds during the 30-day trial. But, bought pamphlets and literature for his cause. Although it failed to as promised at the outset of the stunt, when the month passed he reach the national prominence that he had hoped it would his Fideli- allowed an 8,000 pound truck to drive over his body. ty Temperance League continued. In 1934 Gough made his way back to California for anoth- Soon his life changed in another way, when he met the er shot at the movies. Again he landed small parts in several pictures. woman who became his life. Martha Louise Key had taught the eighth Later, joking about his movie appearances, Gough said: “as long as grade for two years in the local school when she met Galen at a revival I was a gangster, a pug, a wrestler or a strongman I was all right, at his father’s church. Galen spoke that night about the evils of strong but as soon as my role required acting, I was terrible.” drink, and after a brief courtship they were married. Soon there- In any case, he continued to attract tremendous press cov- after they left the area to spread the temperance gospel and drum up erage for his miscellaneous antics, most especially his beer fasting. business for his strongman shows. In Hollywood, Gough was registered in the plush Biltmore Hotel and, The Goughs traveled through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and just as in Louisville, he was assigned 24-hour bodyguards to be sure Wisconsin during the first half of 1937 performing his truck run-over he didn’t eat. As before, he continued to perform his feats of strength stunts. Various other reports said that during his time with the Hell on a daily basis while touting the qualities of the new beverage— Drivers, Gough himself would climb behind the wheel of a car, gun 45 Eastside Beer. When the stunt was over Gough had consumed 1,080 it up to 70 miles per hour and then deliberately turn it over. steins of the beverage. Universal Newsreels picked up on the stunt In Texas, Gough combined efforts with the Fort Worth and included it in its movie newsreel packages. Newspapers and Star Telegram to stage a benefit show for “The Star-Telegram Free news magazines were also quick to feature the story. Milk and Ice Fund.” One article about the forthcoming show carried While living in California, Gough decided he couldn’t the headline, “Come Gut and Beat Mr. Gough.” It explained that tolerate looking in the mirror and seeing his twisted face any longer. someone from the audience would be invited to take a steel bar 7 1/2

24 APRIL 1996 IRON GAME HISTORY

feet long and lash the strong man’s bare arms and shoulders with William Allen White and Patrick J. Hurley.47 The book was so pop all his might. It also outlined many of Gough’s other stunts such as ular that it was reprinted in 1939. the spike-studded board the tug-of-war and letting men swing from With Martha and Wally at his side, Gough set his sights a bar that he would hold in his mouth. back on southern California. The fame of “Little Hercules” was grow- The Goughs continued their stay in Fort Worth, Texas, and ing and in Los Angeles the youngster was offered an assortment of in December 1937 a son, Wallace Key Gough, was born. “Papa jobs advertising products. One of his endorsements was for “VIG,” Gough,” as he was referred to in print, was excited about Wally’s a new Vitamin B-l drink that, according to its ads, had a “million- birth and immediately began to instill in the baby his physical culture dollar taste” that children would like and be “good for them” too.48 teachings. Regardless of what the world might have thought of him During the early 1940s, Gough found a new interest in as a strongman, Gough was determined to turn his son into the worlds judo. And, as always, he set out to be the very best at it. He stud- strongest baby. Within days, the infant could stand on his own in his ied, worked, practiced and before long became such an expert in father’s hand at an arm’s length away. Within weeks he could swing the field that he authored a detailed and illustrated book titled Sim- on a trapeze and even chin himself on a walking stick that his father plified Self Defense Thru an Improved System of Americanized and mother would hold high in the air. Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. With World War II raging, and Gough being Newspaper, magazine, radio, and newsreel reporters were the loyal veteran that he was, he turned his energies to the cause at beating down a path to the Gough’s door. It seemed that everyone hand. Being the skilled master that he was in Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, wanted the latest reports on the boy wonder. But, with Gough’s nose Gough waged a crusade to retrain American soldiers in the art of self for news being what it was, reporters didn’t have to beat too long or defense. “The Japanese have been masters of their system for 2,000 too hard. Wally’s picture and story began appearing across the coun- years. For every offensive thrust, there is also a defensive maneuver. try. Gough knew then that he not only had a special son, but a spe- The Japanese know the defenses of their own system, but not mine.”49 cial attraction. They hit the road and from coast to coast advertise- After carefully hearing him out, the Army finally concurred and with ments began touting the two of them as being “together in one great the strongman’s direction, rewrote and reissued its basic field man- show.” ual for unarmed combat. It was reported by those close to him that At first Wally was dubbed “The Superboy,” “The Strongest “one of Gough’s proudest possessions” was a letter from the Adju- Baby in the World,” and “Galen Gough II”. But it was the title “Lit- tant General’s office “soliciting his help in the revision” of the Army tle Hercules” that stuck with him. While they were in Chicago in publication.50 Little came of his work in terms of income, howev- June 1938, the Chicago Tribune carried an article explaining some er. of the baby’s stunts. It reported that the baby could chin himself twice Twenty-four years had passed since Gough’s near death on a cane being held by his parents. experience in 1918. The world had seen many changes and many Meanwhile, Gough was still garnering tremendous press tragedies, but Gough pressed on. For the next several years he waked coverage of his own. True: A Man’s Magazine had just carried a at odd jobs around the movie studios, performed his strongman rou- lengthy feature titled “Galen Gough Challenges the World,” detail- tine when he could, and often accepted an assortment of small jobs ing his long and phenomenal career from near death in the war to his in an effort to support his family. Wally and Jill [his daughter born rise to stardom as a professional strongman.46 The feature also showed in 1942] continued to grow and Martha stuck by her husband’s side. Gough in numerous photographs over the years. Elma Holloway, an The years during the mid-1940s may have been hard on the strong- author from Pasadena, man and his family, but a California liked what she love for one another and an saw and read about Gough unyielding dedication to and included him in her survive would soon put 1938 book, Unsung Gough on top once again. Heroes. The book was a One morning, as he compilation of short sat with his wife at the biographies about 24 peo- breakfast table discussing ple who had overcome their future plans, he picked enormous difficulties in up a pencil and began to their lives to reach posi- sketch on a small piece of tions of leadership and writing paper. She knew authority in their respect- that from the earliest days ed fields. Gough shared a of his youth he had wanted spot in the book with such to use his artistic talents in noted people as Alvin some form, so she calmly York, William O. Dou- suggested, “Why don’t glas, Glenn Cunningham, WALLY GOUGH, DUBBED “LITTLE HERCULES” BY HIS FATHER, RESISTS THE PULL OF TWO you paint a picture?” Soon William S. Dutton, PONIES IN THIS PUBLICITY PHOTO. –COURTESY GREG TRAVIS the 300-pound giant was 25 IRON GAME HISTORY VOLUME 4 NUMBER 3

letting an inner part of himself come forth like never before. 18Ibid, 113. As he poured out his soul, his first creation, “The Chris- 19Interview with Joe Howard, 14 April 1993. tus”—a portrait of the head of Christ—was conceived in less than a 20Stamford, “Challenges,” 113. day. The piece was so good that California art collector Clarence 21Ibid. Greenwood paid $1,50051 for half interest in it and declared, “I feel 22 Creason, “World’s Strongest Artist” 7. that this painting is destined for immortality.”52 In the meantime 23Flora Kaiser, “This Paralyzed Ex-Marine is Now One of the Strongest Gough’s wife had secretly carried three more paintings to Felix of Men,” The St. Louis Globe-Democrat Magazine (6 March 1927). Landau, proprietor of a nearby art gallery. Landau was overwhelmed 24Personal files of S. Rayburn Watkins, Louisville, Kentucky. by what he saw in Gough’s paintings and told Mrs. Gough that he 25 Howland, ‘Miracle,” 79. would give her husband an immediate one-man show if he could 26A compilation of feats from selected newspaper articles and eyewitness cane up with 25 more paintings. Within weeks Gough met his goal. accounts of Gough’s performance. As expected Landau was impressed with the new creations 27“Galen Gough Home To Train for Big Wrestling Match,” The Tribune- and he honored his end of the bargain. A date was set for the show, Democrat (18 February 1927): 1. the media were notified and invitations were sent. As collectors and 28Ibid. art lovers filled the gallery, praise of Gough’s work flooded the 29“Galen Gough of Benton, War Veteran, Will Wrestle Pesek,” The building. In 1949 the Los Angeles Examiner said Gough “set this Paducah Evening Sun (21 February 1927): 1. 53 town agog with his sensational paintings.” As the Gough originals 30“From Hopeless Paralysis to Herculean Strength,” Physical Culture continued, so did the rave reviews. Frank Perls, head of the Asso- (September 1928): 57. ciated American Artists, one of the largest and most important gal- 31William E. Lickfield, The New York Graphic: The World’s Zaniest leries in the West said, “His work is stirring and brilliant. He has Newspaper (1964), inside jacket. tremendous imagination and natural spontaneity. It is to be hoped 32Joseph H. Applegate, “A New ‘Sandow’ Whose Strength Grew Out 54 that he doesn’t read a book on painting and forget how to paint.” of a Body Crippled in War!” The New York Graphic (5 January 1929): Joseph Chabot, a well-known painter and art instructor and 1 head of Chabot Galleries, said of Gough, His work is exceptional, 33“Strong Man Sues Heiress,” The Boston Post (4 August 1931). expressing vitality, refreshing color sense and complete honesty of 34Ibid. 55 approach. It is representative of the best in true primitive art.” 35Gough, “Terrible,” 5. Saddened on many occasions by the circumstances that 36Galen Gough, Health Psychology; Mental and Physical Coordina- plagued his life, Gough sought throughout the years to find that tion” (New York: Psychology Publishing, 1930). lasting peace within. By the time of his death, in 1962, he had final- 37Ibid. ly found a portion of that peace through his painting. 38Stamford, “Challenges,” 116. 39Ibid. Notes 40“Physical Culture Director and Lecturer Starts Test Tuesday to Prove 1 Interview with Leota Williams, 7 April 1993. Person Can Live Solely on Beer; Plans Feats of Strength,” The Courier- 2 Joe Creason, “The World’s Strongest Artist,” The Courier Journal Mag- Journal (12 November 1933): 1. azine (11 January 1953): 8. 41“Legionnaires Guard Gough to Prove That He Lives Solely on Oertel’s 3 Galen Gough, “Up From an Invalid’s Bed,” Los Angeles Times Sunday Beer,” The Courier-Journal (17 November 1933): 1. Magazine (17 February 1935): 4. 42“Film Strong Man Loses Old Scars,” Los Angeles Examiner (16 Jan- 4 Ibid.; and Galen Gough, “It’s Terrible to be Ugly,” The American Week- uary 1936). ly (2 October 1949): 5. 43“Galen Gough Speaks at Sinking Springs,” Murray Ledger & Times 5 Gough, “Invalid’s Bed,” 4. (2 July 1936). 6 Gough, “Terrible,” 5. 44“Record Crowd Hears Gough in Benton,” Murray Ledger & Times (9 7 George Stamford “Galen Gough Challenges The World,” True: A Man’s July 1936). Magazine (February 1938), 74. 45Interview with Martha Gough, August 1992. 8 Ibid. 46Stamford “Challenges,” 117. 9 Bill Ladd, “Galen Gough has Switched to Murals,” The Louisville Couri- 47Elma Holloway, Unsung Heroes, 1938. er-Journal (17 November 1948). 48VIG advertisement. 10 Stamford, “Challenges,” 73. 49Personal files of S. Rayburn Watkins, Louisville, Kentucky. 11 Gough, “Invalid’s Bed,” 4. 50Ibid. 12 Stamford, “Challenges,” 75. 51Creason, ‘World’s Strongest Artist,” 7. 13Ibid. 52Ezra Goodman, “Cripple, to Strong Man, to Painter,” The St. Louis 14 Joe Creason, “The World’s Strongest Artist” The Courier-Journal Mag- Globe-Democrat (27 March 1949). azine (11 January, 1953): 7. 53Kay English, “Primitive Artists Open New Galleries Monday,” The Los 15 Ibid. Angeles Examiner (11 September 1949). 16 Arthur H. Howland, “The Miracle of Galen Gough” Psychology: Health, 54Goodman, “Cripple to Painter.” Happiness, Success (September 1920): 36. 55Ibid. 17Stamford, “Challenges,” 75. 26 APRIL 1996 IRON GAME HISTORY

he is a respected attorney. Bravo Joe. The guests of honor are living testimonies to the fact that iron game athletes who remain active can, to some degree, postpone the departure of youth. Al Berger, former Strength & Health cov- erman, belies the reality that he is aproaching the 80 year mark. He personally trains his pupils in his fitness club in Haverford, Penn- sylvania and is a sterling example of what he preaches. Dr. Hy Schaffer is a chiropractic physician who is an inspi- ration to all who know him. He was an exceptional 132 pound weightlifter in the 1940s and had a fine physique. Dr. Hy is always on hand at the reunions and he certainly deserves the honor bestowed We are sorry to report that California’s Dr. Charles upon him. Moss recently passed away. Dr. Moss was one of the stalwarts Because the third honoree was Al Thomas, my good friend of the Oldeime Barbell and Strongman Association as well as a I was quite pleased when Dr. Jan Todd addressed the audience to Patron of Iron Game History. His many contributions to the game remind everyone of the countless great articles written by Al through will be sorely missed as will his kindness, humor and compassion the years for Mabel and Peary Rader’s Iron Man magazine. Al for others. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his family and Thomas’ articles gave exposure to strong, muscular women body- close friends. builders and weightlifters. Al’s intertesting articles were informa- tive and motivational and furthered women’s participation in the iron game more than anything before or since. Jan Todd was a very strong, world class powerlifter who gives credit to articles by Al Thomas Dear IGH, for much of her lifting inspiration. Unfortunately, Al Thomas was The thirteenth annual reunion of the Association of Olde- not able to attend this year’s reunion and to receive his well-deserved time Barbell and Strongmen was of particular interest to me because honor. one of the guests of honor was one of my contemporaries, Joe Abben- The exhibitions which take place at the Oldetime Barbell da. I remember Joe well from 1958, ‘59, and the early ‘60s. I was and Strongmen reunions are unequaled anywhere else. This night also delightfully astonished when a handsome gentleman walked was no exception. The attendees were treated to a real strength show over to me and identified himself as Morty Friedman. Morty was by the Powerstars—composed that night of John Brookfield, Den- one of our old Bronx Union gang forty-five years ago and I hadn’t nis Rogers, Greg Ernst and Frank Civattone. This is a really well seen him in forty years. What great memories. organized, fast-paced, exciting professional group of strongmen. The Bronx Union YMCA was one of the unforgettable First a platform was quickly erected upon which sat eight or ten men havens of Iron Game devotees back in the late 1940s and early 1950s. weighing 170 to 215 pounds. Greg Ernst then performed a back- It produced some outstanding bodybuilders and professional wrestlers. lift of all those men. Shades of Paul Anderson. Frank Civattone But more about that at another time. then proceeded to blow up a hot water bottle until it exploded. Next, Dr. Terry Todd’s introduction of Joe Abbenda brought Dennis Rogers, the man with vise-length hand strength, bent steel back memories of many other bodybuilding luminaries of the peri- bars, and then tore a pack of playing cards in front and later, behind od like Elmo Santiago, Ken Hall, Leroy Colbert and Arthur Harris. his back. He then had his wrists and upper arms shackeled so effec- Terry recalled how Joe first announced his arrival on the bodybuild- tively that it looked as though he was helpless. Usually a person is ing scene by winning the 1959 Teenage Mr. America title. How well not able to generate much power in doing lateral raises, but to escape do I remember that this was the era of bodybuilders being obligated from the shackes, Dennis would have to utilize the same muscles to also prove themselves to be competitive weightlifters in order to normally brought into play while performing lateral raises. With a be approved by the A.A.U., which means that Joe Abbenda deserves burst of ferocious muscle power, he burst the shackles that bound even greater credit for having performed three credible Olympic lifts him and acknowledged a round of tremendous applause. The Pow- to satisfy the powers that were. Joe then went on to win the 1962 Jr. erstars are all world class strongmen who must be seen by all who Mr. America title, and compete for the title that was the dream of are interested in real feats of strength. every young American bodybuilder: Mr. America. During this peri- Probably many of us have been subjected to the ordeal of od the most prestigious bodybuilding title was the NABBA Mr. shaking hands with someone who is not really interested in a simple Universe held in London. The British imposed no absurdly inap- greeting but rather in turning it into an absurd contest of strength. I propriate weightlifting obligations upon bodybuilders whose mus- was personally impressed when I shook hands with John Brookfield cular development qualified them to enter the competition. It was Here is a man who actually has the gripping strength to crush the a banner year for Joe Abbenda. He went to London and became hands of most of us. Yet his handshake was firm but very gentle. the amateur NABBA Mr. Universe. There was one more title to win This is a man who knows what he is capable of and consequently and 1963 found him back in London where he was declared the has nothing to prove. He has my respect professional Mr. Universe. Thanks again to Vic Boff for an enjoyable evening. Joe Abbenda recalled how, prior to Schwarzenegger, there was no money in bodybuilding. For that reason and because he had Ken “Leo” Rosa, D.C. won the titles he wanted Joe Abbenda went back to school and today Bronx, New York 27